New Zealand face Belgium with knockout hopes on the line

Win or go home against Belgium

New Zealand face Belgium on Friday in Vancouver, the final Group G match and a must-win. Belgium are expected to dominate possession, and their front line includes Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland (2).

The All Whites lost 3–1 to Egypt in their opener. Finn Surman's header gave them an early lead, but Mohamed Salah took over after the break. A defeat here and the knockout rounds are gone.

Elijah Just was one of the bright spots against Egypt, causing problems down the flank. Ben Old left that match with ripped shorts and a bloodied kit after a heavy collision. Both will need to be at their best again.

New Zealand have never reached a World Cup knockout stage. A win keeps that possibility alive.

Fan reactions

Fans online are nervous about the firepower Belgium bring. One thread put it bluntly: "Mbappé and Haaland against our backline. We need a miracle." Another pointed to the Egypt first half as proof the team can hang with anyone for 45 minutes. The question is whether they can do it for 90. Match thread on r/Aleague