World Cup: Belgium cruise into last 32 as Egypt survive Iran scare
Belgium produced their most convincing display of the tournament to finish top of Group G on goal difference after sweeping aside New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver. The Red Devils were led by a brace from Leandro Trossard before Kevin De Bruyne added a superb third, with substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers putting the seal on an impressive victory.
The result ensured Rudi Garcia's side leapfrogged Egypt into first place and secured a Round of 32 meeting with one of the tournament's best third-placed nations.
Several Ligue 1 McDonald's players featured during Belgium's victory. LOSC Lille full-back Thomas Meunier started in defence, while teammate Matias Fernandez-Pardo was introduced after the break. RC Strasbourg Alsace defender Diego Moreira remained among the substitutes, while AS Saint-Étienne midfielder Ben Old came on at half-time for New Zealand.
Egypt and Iran play out draw
Attention then turned to Seattle, where Egypt held on for a dramatic 1-1 draw against Iran to secure second place and a knockout clash with Australia.
The Pharaohs made the ideal start through Mahmoud Saber before former FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot, seeing his effort saved by Mostafa Shobeir. Iran responded almost immediately, however, with Ramin Rezaeian firing home the rebound after another excellent save from the Egyptian goalkeeper.
With qualification hanging in the balance, the closing stages descended into chaos. Taremi struck the crossbar before veteran defender Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside after lengthy celebrations. Iran continued to pile on the pressure, with Saeid Ezatolahi also hitting the woodwork, but Egypt held firm to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
There was one concern for the Pharaohs, however, as Mohamed Salah was substituted before the hour after signalling discomfort. Head coach Hossam Hassan later insisted the Liverpool legend's issue was not serious and expects him to be available for Egypt's Round of 32 meeting with Australia.
