FIFA WC: Belgium into knockout as New Zealand bow out; Iran draws with Egypt

Vancouver: Belgium easily defeated New Zealand 5-1 on Friday, finishing first in Group G and securing its spot in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 thanks to two goals from Leandro Trossard.

Both Belgium and Egypt finished level on five points but Belgium topped the group on goal difference. With Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran ensuring they also advance, Iran were third with three points, and New Zealand exited the competition with a single point from their three matches, IANS reported.

Belgium dominated proceedings from the opening whistle and nearly went ahead in the 11th minute when Trossard hit the post. Moments later, the Red Devils were awarded a penalty after Finn Surman appeared to handle Trossard's effort, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, with the referee ruling the defender's arm was in a natural position.

However, Belgium finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when a sweeping attacking move ended with Trossard tapping in Kevin De Bruyne's teasing cross.

And the Arsenal forward doubled Belgium's advantage just five minutes into the second half after chesting down another De Bruyne delivery and volleying home from close range.

Belgium will now go through to the Round of 32 where they face one of the eight best third-placed teams, as New Zealand wait for their first-ever World Cup win, which continues to be an eternal wait.

Iran Egypt 1-1 draw

Iran was left anxiously waiting to discover whether they had done enough to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt, in which a stoppage-time winner was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Already guaranteed qualification, Egypt finished second in Group G on five points behind Belgium on goal difference and will face Australia in the Round of 32 in Dallas on July 3.

Iran ended third with three points and will now wait to see if they can progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams. There was an early flurry of life to the fixture as Egypt took the lead inside five minutes. The move was started by Mohamed Salah but Mahmoud Saber’s shot slipped through the fingers of Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Taremi’s header hit the crossbar before Shoja Khalilzadeh smashed the ball home in the third minute of stoppage time, sending the Iranian bench into wild celebration as they spilt onto the pitch believing they had secured a famous victory.

However, VAR intervened and ruled Khalilzadeh marginally offside, crushing Iran's celebrations and ensuring their World Cup fate was no longer in their own hands.