World Cup: Belgium and Egypt progress from Group G as Iran face anxious wait | OneFootball

Belgium finally produced their best performance of the World Cup group stage with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand. Their first win was enough for a top-place finish in Group G as Egypt held to a 1-1 draw by Iran.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s center-back Arthur Theate produced a solid performance in his first-ever World Cup start. Meanwhile, former Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg star Kevin de Bruyne scored a brilliant goal that was vital for goal difference.

Leonardo Trossard’s brace put Belgium two goals ahead before de Bruyne’s strike pipped them to first place in the group. Elijah Just’s third goal of the tournament momentarily had Egypt back in the lead before substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers added late goals.

Egypt also took the lead in their game with Mahmoud Saber’s fifth-minute strike, but Iran were dominant after that. However, the second goal of the tournament by the 36-year-old defender Ramin Rezaeian was the only one they could muster in a spirited performance.

Mehdi Taremi missed a penalty-kick minutes before Iran’s quick response, while 37-year-old Shoja Khalilzadeh was denied an injury-time winner for a tight offside call. As a result, Iran will now wait for tomorrow’s games to see whether three draws will be enough for a place in the Round of 32.

Out of the remaining three groups, Iran only need to have a better record than one of the third-placed teams. Meanwhile, Senegal are through as one of the best third-placed teams. If Algeria and DR Congo succeed tomorrow, there will be nine African teams (out of the ten participants) in the knockout stages.

Belgium will need to wait before learning their Round of 32 opponents, but they will face the winners of co-hosts USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina if they do qualify for the next round. Egypt are seeded against Australia before a potential Round of 16 tie with holders Argentina or debutants Cape Verde.

Mohanad Lasheen, who has played every minute in the group stage, is suspended for the Australia game due to accumulated yellow cards.