World Cup Showdown: New Zealand Takes on Belgium - Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Belgium faces a crucial match against New Zealand in their Group G finale on Friday, requiring a win to guarantee a spot in the last 32. The Red Devils are currently third in the standings after underwhelming draws with Egypt and Iran.
New Zealand, with only one point from their opening two matches, must win to have any chance of progressing to the knockouts. A victory for Belgium would likely send them through, while a draw could also be sufficient depending on the outcome of Egypt vs. Iran.
Belgium's offense has been particularly disappointing, with no goals scored so far. However, they are expected to break their duck against New Zealand's porous defense. The European team is favored to win, but New Zealand's determination and heart could give them a scare.
New Zealand's lineup is likely to remain unchanged, with Tim Payne and Elijah Just featuring, and record goalscorer Chris Wood leading the attack. Belgium, on the other hand, will have to replace the suspended Nathan Ngoy, with Arthur Theate potentially coming in. Jérémy Doku may also return to the starting lineup after a brief absence.
The predicted lineups are: New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood. Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku. The match will be broadcast on various networks, including FOX, TSN, and BBC.
New Zealand, with only one point from their opening two matches, must win to have any chance of progressing to the knockouts. A victory for Belgium would likely send them through, while a draw could also be sufficient depending on the outcome of Egypt vs. Iran.
Belgium's offense has been particularly disappointing, with no goals scored so far. However, they are expected to break their duck against New Zealand's porous defense. The European team is favored to win, but New Zealand's determination and heart could give them a scare.
New Zealand's lineup is likely to remain unchanged, with Tim Payne and Elijah Just featuring, and record goalscorer Chris Wood leading the attack. Belgium, on the other hand, will have to replace the suspended Nathan Ngoy, with Arthur Theate potentially coming in. Jérémy Doku may also return to the starting lineup after a brief absence.
The predicted lineups are: New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood. Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku. The match will be broadcast on various networks, including FOX, TSN, and BBC.
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