Why one Red Devil silenced critics and lifted Belgium’s World Cup hopes

Belgium’s final group-stage win over New Zealand finally convinced the international media that Roberto Martinez’s side still has the tools to progress at the World Cup. The 5-1 scoreline, delivered in Vancouver on Friday evening, was described by multiple outlets as a statement of intent. The Dutch newspaper AD highlighted Belgium’s relentless intensity from the first whistle, noting that the Red Devils overwhelmed New Zealand with shots, sharp crosses, and concentrated football. “It was as if they had just half an hour to score ten goals,” the outlet wrote, underscoring the sheer dominance on display. Spanish newspaper AS framed the victory as a redemption arc, pointing to Belgium’s transition from a precarious group position to securing top spot. The outlet cited a 35-6 shot ratio in Belgium’s favour and singled out Jeremy Doku’s return to form, Kevin De Bruyne’s and Romelu Lukaku’s key roles, and Leandro Trossard’s invaluable contributions as decisive factors. French daily L’Équipe reserved its praise for Trossard, calling him Belgium’s most consistent performer at the tournament. The newspaper noted his decisive impact, including forcing a penalty (later rescinded), hitting the post, and ultimately providing the second goal after teammates had squandered earlier chances. “He silenced all doubters,” L’Équipe wrote.

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German publication described Trossard as unstoppable, detailing his involvement in nearly every dangerous attack in the first half. The outlet noted his composed finish after the break to effectively seal the match, calling his performance “unplayable.” Italian newspaper La dello Sport echoed the sentiment, declaring that Belgium’s golden generation is “not yet rusted.” The outlet stressed that the win secured Belgium’s place on the west coast, avoiding a clash with Argentina in the round of 16. It also highlighted De Bruyne’s and Lukaku’s goals as the difference in goal difference over Egypt. New Zealand’s Herald lamented the harsh reality of facing a European giant, calling Belgium’s 5-1 victory fully deserved. The outlet acknowledged New Zealand’s resilient start but noted their eventual collapse, suggesting the scoreline could have been even heavier.

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Belgian media also reflected on the significance of the performance. ’s chief football correspondent described the match as a statement, while cautioning against excessive euphoria as the tournament enters a new phase under head coach Rudi Garcia. The international acclaim centred overwhelmingly on one player: Leandro Trossard. Multiple outlets praised his all-around contribution, from chance creation to clinical finishing, framing him as the catalyst behind Belgium’s resurgence.