New Zealand eliminated as Belgium run riot 5–1 in Montreal

Belgium 5–1 New Zealand: your World Cup ends in Montreal

New Zealand are out. Belgium 5–1 in the Group G finale on Saturday morning, and the All Whites finish bottom with one point from three matches (1) (3) (5). Leandro Trossard opened the floodgates, Kevin De Bruyne added a trademark strike from distance, and Romelu Lukaku scored his third of the tournament (2) (6). Alexis Saelemaekers and substitute Matias Fernandez-Pardo added the fourth and fifth (4). Tim Payne got your consolation goal (1).

Bazeley: "We weren't going to just leave this World Cup defending a 2–0 loss"

Darren Bazeley fronted up after the match. "We tried to get back in the game," he said. "We weren't going to just leave this World Cup defending a 2–0 loss, we wanted to try and score, to try and get ba" (1). The sentiment was clear: this group fought until the end, even with elimination already confirmed after Egypt took the second spot.

Fernandez-Pardo: mixed reviews for the Newcastle target

The Lille winger made his first extended World Cup appearance against your team and Belgian media were divided. RTBF Sport was blunt: "Playing on the left wing, the Lille player squandered several opportunities" (4). Newcastle are reportedly watching him. He scored the fifth goal, but the reviews suggest he left chances on the pitch.

Garcia defends his Belgium stars after the rout

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia used the moment to fire back at critics back home. "I trust all my players and my leaders, too. They've been heavily criticised, and I think that's ugly. They've shown on the field that they are immense players." (1) Belgium topped Group G with seven points.

Fan reactions

Arsenal supporters on Reddit were buzzing about Trossard's opener, sharing fan-shot clips from inside the stadium. One video captured the goal from the stands, and the thread was full of appreciation for the finish. View it here.