Group G Showdown
World Cup Group G Matches Deliver Drama as Egypt-Iran Tie and Belgium Leads New Zealand
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Group G's decisive final matchday is delivering real tension at halftime. Egypt and Iran are locked at 0-0 at MetLife Stadium, while Belgium leads New Zealand 1-0 at Lincoln Financial Field — a result that, if it holds, sends Belgium through as group winners Business Times BD.
Both matches kicked off simultaneously at 9:00 a.m. EST. Over 82,500 fans packed MetLife Stadium — a full sellout — while 67,224 filled Lincoln Financial Field, according to FIFA official match reports. The second half begins in minutes, and one goal anywhere changes everything.
Trossard's Goal Keeps Belgium in Control
Belgium broke the deadlock at the 12-minute mark. Charles De Ketelaere scored from the edge of the box after a deflected cross from Jeremy Doku, giving Belgium the lead they needed ESPN FC. Belgium had already beaten Iran 2-0 on Matchday 1, entering today as heavy favorites at -500 on live betting odds DraftKings.
Coach Domenico Tedesco told pitchside reporters at halftime: "We have the control we wanted, but the 1-0 lead is fragile. We need the second goal to kill the group." Belgium has put 5 shots on target to New Zealand's 1. New Zealand captain Chris Wood said his side is "one set-piece away from changing the group dynamic" Sky Sports.
Iran's Defensive Wall Stifles Mohamed Salah
Egypt holds 68% of the ball but has almost nothing to show for it. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei set up a deep defensive block — a "low block," where the team sits back and defends in numbers. He said before the match: "Our collective discipline is our greatest weapon" Tasnim News Agency.
Egypt's star Mohamed Salah has been double-teamed all half. He managed just 14 touches in the first 45 minutes, according to Opta Sports. A potential penalty for Egypt was reviewed by VAR for three minutes in the 34th minute, then waved off. Analyst Michael Cox noted that Egypt is "playing too narrow, which plays right into Ghalenoei's hands" Football Daily.
Group G Standings: Who Goes Through and Who Goes Home
At halftime, the live Group G table reads: Belgium 7 points (+3 goal difference), Egypt 3 points (0 GD), Iran 2 points (-2 GD), and New Zealand 2 points (-1 GD). If scores hold, Egypt scrapes through in second place. A single goal for Iran or New Zealand would flip the group upside down.
Belgium, if they win, will face the runner-up of Group H — likely South Korea or Switzerland — in Boston, according to Athlon Sports. Former Belgian international Vincent Kompany praised Belgium's approach on FOX Sports: "They know 1-0 keeps them top of the group, which likely avoids a Round of 32 matchup with Brazil."
What's at Stake Beyond the Scoreboard
The numbers behind this match go beyond goals. Egypt's advancement is tied to major sponsorship bonuses from MENA brands like Etisalat and Vodafone Egypt. An early exit is projected to cause a 15% drop in local sports-related retail spending for July, according to Financial Times.
For Iran, reaching the knockout stage would be a historic first. CNN International notes it would carry major national significance amid ongoing domestic tensions. In Cairo, the hashtag #SaveOurWorldCup is already trending on social media, with fans demanding more aggressive substitutions to give Salah better support in the second half.
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