Belgium swept New Zealand aside 5-1 at BC Place on Saturday, ending their Group G campaign with a convincing win that moved them to five points.
The result lifts Belgium above New Zealand and Iran on points. With Egypt leading the group, the Red Devils now wait to learn if five points is enough to advance.
New Zealand head coach started with Chris Wood leading the line alone, supported by Singh and Thomas in the ten zones. Bell and Stamenic held the midfield two.
The opener was no surprise given Belgium's dominance. They posted 35 total shots across the 90 minutes, and New Zealand goalkeeper Crocombe kept the deficit manageable in the first half.
De Bruyne added a third on 66 minutes, finishing calmly to give Belgium total control. New Zealand offered little in response, managing only two shots on target all evening.
Saelemaekers rounded off the scoring deep in stoppage time, converting a Lukaku lay-off to make it five. Belgium's ruthlessness in the final stages underlined the gulf between the two sides.
New Zealand made six changes at half-time and beyond, but the wholesale rotation disrupted their shape and gave Belgium even more space to exploit as the game wore on.
