New Zealand face Belgium in what looks like a must-win for the Europeans at BC Place. The All Whites sit bottom of Group G with just one point after three games and they've shown flashes without the consistency to match.
Chris Wood remains their standout threat. He scored in that 4-1 win over Chile back in March and keeps creating chances even when the results turn against them. Elijah Just grabbed both goals in the 2-2 draw with Iran and he'll need to repeat something similar here.
Belgium arrive with two draws from their opening matches. They held Iran and Egypt without conceding much but their attack has looked blunt at times. Kevin De Bruyne pulls the strings whenever he gets on the ball while Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard offer real goal threat once they click.
Matt Garbett misses out for New Zealand with a hamstring issue picked up in training. Belgium cannot call on Nathan Ngoy after his red card against Iran. Zeno Debast's leg problem leaves his availability in doubt too.
The predicted lineups point to a direct contest. New Zealand line up with Crocombe in goal behind Payne, Surman, Boxall and Cacace. Bell and Stamenic sit in midfield while McCowatt, Singh and Just support Wood up top. Belgium go with Courtois between the posts and a back four of Meunier, Theate, Mechele and De Cuyper. Raskin and Tielemans anchor midfield with Doku, De Bruyne and Trossard feeding Lukaku.
Belgium need the three points to lift their qualification hopes after those early stalemates. New Zealand have mixed results lately including a heavy loss to Haiti and that narrow defeat to England. Expect Belgium to control more of the ball but New Zealand should stay compact and look for counters through Wood.
Recommended Bets
Belgium -1 handicap @2.10 — They sit above New Zealand in the group and carry stronger attacking options on paper.
Over 2.5 goals @1.95 — Both sides have traded goals in recent World Cup games and Belgium's forward line tends to find space.
Chris Wood anytime goalscorer @3.40 — He leads New Zealand's attack and has scored in key recent outings despite the team's mixed form.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
