New Zealand
For New Zealand, this is already the most successful World Cup campaign the nation has produced since their unbeaten group-stage effort in 2010. Darren Bazeley’s side have shown they belong at this level. A 2-2 draw with Iran on Matchday One was one of the surprises of the opening round, while they led Egypt before eventually falling to a 3-1 defeat.
The pattern of those matches tells an important story. New Zealand have competed well for long periods, scoring three goals across two games and causing problems through Chris Wood, Elijah Just and Sarpreet Singh. The issue has been sustaining that level for 90 minutes. They led against Iran and were pegged back twice. They also led Egypt before conceding three second-half goals.
Bazeley acknowledged after the Egypt defeat that his side struggled to match the intensity and quality of their first-half display once the game opened up. That drop-off is something Belgium will be keen to exploit.
Injuries & Team News
New Zealand boss Bazeley named an unchanged starting lineup for the Egypt game and retaining the same XI for this contest is a possibility.
Unless Ben Old or Francis de Vries are introduced in one of the full-back roles, an unchanged starting lineup appears likely.
Despite record goalscorer Chris Wood failing to net in the opening two matches, the Nottingham Forest forward supplied the assists for Elijah Just’s two goals against Iran.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-3 vs Egypt | L W L L D L |
Predicted Line-Up
New Zealand possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Stamenic, Bell; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Belgium
Belgium’s position is far more precarious than many expected. Two draws from their opening two matches have left Rudi Garcia’s side needing a result to guarantee progression. The frustration is that their performances have deserved considerably more.
The underlying numbers are comfortably the strongest in Group G. Belgium have generated 3.14 xGF while conceding only 1.70 xGA, giving them the best xG differential in the section. Against Egypt they required an own goal to salvage a draw despite creating enough chances to win. Against Iran they produced 23 shots and 1.79 xG but failed to score despite dominating large spells of the contest.
Garcia’s assessment after the Iran match was straightforward. Belgium created enough opportunities to win comfortably but lacked the finishing required to turn control into goals. That has been the story of their tournament so far.
Injuries & Team News
After travelling to London to witness the birth of his first child, Jeremy Doku will re-join the Belgium squad prior to this fixture.
However, it is unclear whether the Manchester City winger will receive an immediate recall, or if one of Alexis Saelemaekers or Dodi Lukebakio will feature down the right flank.
With Nathan Ngoy suspended for the red card that he received against Iran, Arthur Theate appears likely to deputise in the middle of defence.
Timothy Castagne is pushing for a recall in one of the full-back positions.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-0 vs Iran | W D W W D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Meunier, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Win | 16/1 – (17.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 13/2 – (7.50) | Dream Vegas |
| Belgium Win | 1/5 – (1.20) | 247Bet |
Prediction
New Zealand 1-1 Belgium
Both these sides still have work to do to qualify for the knockout stages and all the pressure here is on Belgium. My fear is they have failed to deliver so many times previous and i think the all whites can frustrate them here.