Belgium’s World Cup dream is hanging by a thread, and standing in their way is a New Zealand side with plenty of work still to do themselves to keep their dreams alive.
After two matches, neither nation has managed to win in Group G, leaving everything to play for heading into the final round of fixtures. New Zealand sit bottom of the group with one point after a spirited 2-2 draw against Iran was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Egypt.
Belgium, meanwhile, have drawn both of their games, sharing the points with Egypt before playing out a goalless stalemate against Iran.
That leaves the table finely balanced. Egypt lead the group on four points, Belgium and Iran are level on two, and New Zealand trail on one.
A Belgian victory would almost certainly send them through to the Round of 32, while a draw could still leave them relying on other results or the best third-placed rankings.
New Zealand’s task is even tougher. The All Whites must beat Belgium and hope Egypt avoid defeat against Iran, although a win could also keep them alive in the race for one of the tournament’s best third-place spots.
For Belgium, anything less than three points would be a major disappointment given the talent in their squad. For New Zealand, however, this is an opportunity to make history. They have never progressed beyond the World Cup group stage.
How to watch New Zealand vs Belgium
New Zealand vs Belgium kicks off at 04:00 BST on Saturday, June 27, at Vancouver Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be available on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be shown on Telemundo and Universo, while Peacock will provide streaming options.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches will also be broadcast on CTV, while streaming is available through TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
New Zealand team news
New Zealand are unlikely to make too many changes despite picking up just one point from their opening two matches.
The All Whites produced an encouraging display in their draw with Iran before coming unstuck against Egypt. While the defeat leaves them with plenty to do, there were enough positives for Darren Bazeley to keep faith with the majority of his starting XI.
The biggest question is whether New Zealand take a more attacking approach.
Only a win gives them a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages, so they cannot afford to sit back for long periods. At the same time, throwing too many bodies forward against Belgium could leave dangerous gaps at the other end.
Much will depend on how the midfield copes under pressure. New Zealand need to compete physically, win second balls and give their forwards more support than they managed against Egypt.
They also need to be sharper in front of goal. The chances have been there, but converting them has been another matter.
One thing is certain. New Zealand cannot afford another slow start. Falling behind against Belgium would leave their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
New Zealand expected XI: Crocombe – Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace – Bell, Stamenic – McCowatt, Singh, Just – Wood.
Belgium team news
Belgium have yet to hit top gear, but they remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the Round of 32.
Back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran have left Rudi Garcia’s side knowing that victory should be enough to secure qualification. It has not been a vintage start, but Belgium have shown enough quality to believe their best football is still to come.
Garcia is expected to keep changes to a minimum.
There may be one or two tweaks in attack after Belgium struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances against Iran. However, there is little reason to abandon the core of a side that has remained unbeaten.
Kevin De Bruyne will once again be the player New Zealand need to stop. His ability to control the tempo and unlock defences could prove decisive if Belgium enjoy the majority of the ball.
With qualification still on the line, Belgium cannot afford another frustrating evening. They will expect to control possession, create chances and finally claim the win that sends them into the knockout rounds.
Belgium expected XI: Courtois – Meunier, De Winter, Mechele, De Cuyper – Raskin, Tielemans – Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard – Lukaku.
New Zealand vs Belgium stats
- Belgium are still unbeaten after back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran.
- New Zealand have scored three goals and conceded five across their first two World Cup games.
- Belgium have scored one goal and conceded one in the tournament so far, keeping a clean sheet against Iran.
- Belgium have lost just one of their last 18 matches in all competitions.
- Belgium have won all three previous meetings between the two nations.
- New Zealand must beat Belgium to have any realistic chance of reaching the Round of 32, while Belgium know three points should secure qualification without relying on other results.
New Zealand vs Belgium prediction
Belgium have given themselves a chance, but they know they will need to be better if they are to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
The biggest challenge for New Zealand is the position they find themselves in. A draw is unlikely to be enough, so they will have to push forward at some stage. That is exactly what Belgium will hope for.
Belgium have not been at their best in the opening two matches, but they have also looked difficult to beat. Defensively, they have been organised, while players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are capable of changing a game with one moment of quality – but they haven’t done that yet.
That is part of the concern for New Zealand.
If they commit too many players forward in search of the win they need, Belgium have the experience and attacking quality to exploit the space left behind.
Chris Wood gives them a focal point, while they have already shown they can create chances if they get bodies around him.
Over 90 minutes, though, Belgium’s extra quality should make the difference.
It may not be a convincing performance, but this feels like the night Belgium finally find the result they need to reach the knockout stages.
Prediction: New Zealand 1-2 Belgium
