- 1 New Zealand vs Belgium : the Red Devils are playing for their World Cup future in Group G
- 2 New Zealand must finally turn promise into points
- 3 Belgium are still waiting for a statement win
- 4 Likely line-ups :
- 5 World Cup prediction : New Zealand vs Belgium
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
New Zealand vs Belgium : the Red Devils are playing for their World Cup future in Group G 
The reckoning is coming in Group G. Neither side is out of it yet, but both know one slip could cost them dearly. Belgium are still unbeaten after two games, but they have not secured qualification just yet. New Zealand, meanwhile, have no room left for error: only a win against Belgium will keep alive their dream of reaching the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.
It sets up a lively contest between two teams with very different aims, but the same need to get a result.
New Zealand must finally turn promise into points 
The All Whites have shown plenty of encouraging signs since the start of the tournament, but they have not managed to turn them into results. After throwing away a win against Iran, they again took the lead against Egypt before folding in the second half. That failure to protect an advantage has haunted this side for months and goes a long way to explaining where they are now. Chris Wood remains their main attacking reference despite drawing a blank at this World Cup. His aerial power is still causing problems for opposing defences, while Elijah Just has backed up his reputation with two goals already.
The attack is doing its job, but the gaps left at the back keep costing them. To spring a surprise, New Zealand will need to stay switched on for 90 minutes, something they have yet to manage in this competition.
Belgium are still waiting for a statement win 
The Red Devils are still unbeaten, but they still have not convinced anyone. The draw with Egypt was understandable against the group’s main rival, but the goalless stalemate with Iran left the feeling of a job half done. Belgium created chances and failed to finish them, a familiar problem from recent big international occasions.
Even so, this squad has more quality than most in the group. Kevin De Bruyne continues to pull the strings, Romelu Lukaku could come back into the starting line-up after his decisive cameo on matchday one, and the return of Jeremy Doku gives them another weapon in one-on-one situations. Against a New Zealand defence that has been leaking goals, Belgium probably have their best chance of the tournament so far to build some confidence before the knockout games.
Likely line-ups :
New Zealand : Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Stamenic, Bell; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Belgium : Courtois; Meunier, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku
on MathODDS
World Cup prediction : New Zealand vs Belgium
Belgium to win by at least two goals
Belgium find themselves in a spot where a draw might not be enough. That need to win should push the Red Devils into a far more aggressive approach than in their first two matches. New Zealand have shown some useful attacking qualities, but their defensive frailties pop up in almost every game. The All Whites have shipped several goals in plenty of recent outings and struggle to stay organised once the tempo rises after the break.
With a deeper squad, more experience at the very top level and a pressing need to make the difference, Belgium have the tools to take control early. If they finally find their finishing touch, a victory by two goals or more looks a realistic outcome.
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