- Belgium have won 2 of their last 3 games away from home (1 draw).
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 5 matches in all competitions (W3, D2).
Kiwis and Red Devils still in the mix
Two sides with one point from one game will contest this FIFA World Cup, Group G clash on Saturday, but with New Zealand currently top of the table, third-placed Belgium third on goal difference and both still in contention to progress, we are still in the early stages of this pool.
Darren Bazeley has done a very good job, as he's been in charge of the New Zealand team since taking the reins in July 2024. The Kiwis are disciplined, pragmatic and have made themselves tough to beat using a compact, low block with players in behind to cover for the occasional overzealous forward.
A 2-2 away draw with Iran in their opening game will have delighted the New Zealand camp and Chris Wood was again a major focal point as he was on-loan at Burnley last season, as he provided 2 assists. Elijah Just was the main targetman and netted both of the Kiwi goals.
Belgium to go for the kill
Rudi Garcia has instilled some tactical flexibility and a real high-tempo attacking philosophy into the Belgium team since he took over the reins in January 2025.
The Red Devils drew their opening Group G game 1-1 against Egypt, but had cruised past Croatia 2-0 away and Tunisia 5-0 at home in friendlies prior to the World Cup. They will surely be in a positive mood and ready to press on after their setback to the Pharaohs.
Garcia sets up Belgium in a variety of 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems that favour high-intensity pressing when possible, but fluid transitions when they can't win the ball back. The Red Devils can dominate possession with their pacey, dynamic players on the wings, while Romelu Lukaku is always a handful for defenders and the focal point up front.
Kiwis unlikely to trouble the scorers
Belgium are 6/25 odds on to win this game and rightly so given the quality of their squad and superior recent form. We're avoiding that price and instead going for BTTS-No at 57/100, as we can't see New Zealand scoring against this Belgian side when they go a goal down.
The striker Lukaku has already got on the scoreboard in Group G and can score again here, while Lukebakio has been in blistering form of late with 4 goals in his last 5.
