It was always going to be a tough ask for New Zealand to make it out of a competitive Group G, but they deserve immense credit as they have shown real spirit.

New Zealand have scored in both of their World Cup matches so far, even taking a point from Iran in round one with a 2-2 draw. 

This upcoming clash against Belgium will be their toughest challenge yet, especially as Rudi Garcia’s men are still yet to win, so they will have to be front-footed from the off.

Keeping the Red Devils at bay will be a serious challenge, but New Zealand might fancy their chances of contributing to the scoresheet here.

Belgium will be boosted by the return of Jeremy Doku, who missed the Iran game to attend the birth of his child.

His presence in the starting eleven massively increases Belgium’s threat from wide areas, and this looks like an enticing matchup for him.

Doku’s ability to beat his man and get to the byline is one of the main reasons why Belgium recorded the impressive average of 10.4 corners per game during their World Cup qualifying matches. They even managed to hit double figures in six out of eight games. 

Although they haven’t been as effective when it comes to generating corners at the World Cup so far, they will have to push for the three points here, and this is their easiest matchup of the group stages. 

No player has taken more shots for Belgium than Kevin De Bruyne at this World Cup - he had four efforts against Egypt in round one and five against Iran last time out.

The 34-year-old failed to score in either of those games, but he did at least hit the target against both Iran and Egypt to land this selection. 

De Bruyne is still one of Belgium’s biggest threats in the final third, and he will also be on free-kick duties. In fact, he struck the post from a set-piece against Egypt in round one.

There should be plenty of chances for him in the final third against New Zealand here. 

Youri Tielemans had two shots against Iran last time out, meaning he has now landed this selection in ten of his last 11 starts for Belgium.

He started alongside Nicolas Raskin last time out, who is a lot more defensive-minded, allowing Tielemans more attacking freedom to get into advanced areas. 

Rudi Garcia has given Tielemans a massive responsibility in the final third, looking to get him as close to goal as possible to utilise his ball-striking ability.

Tielemans strikes the ball cleanly, and he is averaging 2.34 shots per 90 since the start of the World Cup qualifiers, which is one of the highest figures in the Belgium squad.

The return of Doku spells serious trouble for Tim Payne, who is expected to start at right back for New Zealand, putting him directly up against the Man City winger.

Doku was fouled five times against Egypt in round one, the most of any Belgium player in that game, and he had an average of 3.35 per 90 during the qualifiers. 

He also drew the fourth-most fouls of any player in the Premier League this season, averaging 2.92 fouls drawn per 90.

Payne recorded one foul against both Iran and Egypt, respectively, and this will be by far his toughest individual matchup.