New Zealand v Belgium: Predicted line-ups, preview and where to watch

Belgium face New Zealand tomorrow night knowing a win will see them advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup but some familiar cracks are beginning to appear around the Red Devils.

Even during their ‘Golden Generation’ period, Belgium found a way to underwhelm with a lack of squad harmony and criticism from former internationals holding them back.

The bulk of those players have now retired but a few remain, namely Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku. Belgium have struggled to make an impact in the tournament so far with draws against Iran and Egypt and their former central defender Philippe Albert has been quick to stick the knife in.

The ex-Newcastle man told Het Laatste Nieuws: “Of the older generation, Courtois is the only one who really still plays at the top level. He is still the best goalkeeper in the world for me. 

“De Bruyne and Lukaku are over the top. But they can still make a difference, together with [Jeremy] Doku. The rest of the team should mainly play in function of them, instead of being concerned with individual success.”

Doku has returned to Canada after flying home to be at the birth of his son, a move that attracted praise and criticism in equal measure.

And the Manchester City star will go straight back into the starting XI against an All Whites team that will gain inspiration from watching Egypt celebrate a first World Cup win on Sunday.

Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver to all but seal their place in the round of 32. New Zealand have appeared in eight World Cup games and have yet to record a victory.

Coach Darren Bazeley told Stuff.co.nz: “All the players talk about it. They’re so proud to be here representing everybody. When you stand for the national anthem and you look up in the corner and you see a big corner of the crowd all in white … We’re so far away, people have come so far to watch us and support us.

“We gave them something to get excited about in the first half, scoring a great goal and having some great play, but ultimately, we weren’t able to have that celebration at the end of the game, like Egypt had.

“It was carnival time for them with the flags and everything, but that’s something that really hurt, seeing that, knowing that, that could be us. We’ll use that to try and be better against Belgium.”

Despite Albert’s cynicism, Bazeley is aware of Belgium’s quality, adding: “They’re a good team. They’ve got great players. But we talked today about how we have an opportunity to knock Belgium out of the tournament.

“We still have that opportunity to make history and win a game and get out of the group and now we know what we’ve got to do – beat Belgium or go home.”

Team news for New Zealand v Belgium

Doku returns while there is speculation in Belgium that Youri Tielemans could be dropped in favour of Hans Vanaken. Thomas Meunier’s place at right-back is also under threat.

Belgium centre-half Nathan Ngoy is suspended following his red card against Iran.

New Zealand have no fresh worries and Bazeley may select an unchanged side.

Predicted line-ups for New Zealand v Belgium

New Zealand: Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Stamenic, Bell; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood

Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Vanaken, Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku

Where to watch New Zealand v Belgium: TV and online streams

New Zealand versus Belgium kicks off at 4am on Saturday morning UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream via the BBC iPlayer.

Stats for New Zealand v Belgium

• Belgium have not lost any of their last 15 matches
• New Zealand have won just one of their last 13 games
• New Zealand have not kept a clean sheet in over 12 months
• The two teams have never met previously

Prediction for New Zealand v Belgium