Rudi Garcia urges win over New Zealand after Iran draw

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia admitted feeling intense pressure as the Rode Duivels head into their next World Cup match against New Zealand, having secured only two draws in the group stage, the latest a disappointing stalemate with Iran and a growing concern among supporters. Two matches have been played, both ending in draws, leaving Belgium without a win and with a fragile position in the tournament. The draw with Iran was described as disappointing, adding to the pressure on the coach and the squad. Garcia stressed the importance of efficiency, stating, "Als je niet efficiënt bent, kan je niet scoren. En als je niet scoort, win je niet." He argued that without efficient finishing, victory remains out of reach.

Belgium face must-win against New Zealand to secure World Cup last-16 spot

Garcia said Belgium created many chances and could have turned the Iran game into a 3‑0 or 4‑0 win, but Iran’s goalkeeper altered the outcome, especially as Belgium’s keeper Thibaut Courtois was absent. He added, "Wij hebben twee punten verloren omdat hun doelman de beste man op het veld was." Garcia highlighted Maxim De Cuyper’s threat, noting he could have been the tournament’s top scorer if all chances materialised. He defended defender Nathan Ngoy after his exclusion, calling it a youth sin, while Romelu Lukaku warned that the squad sometimes played too emotionally, a point Garcia also observed as moments of naivety.

Rudi Garcia vows Belgium to beat New Zealand and qualify

Looking ahead, Garcia made the objective clear: "We moeten winnen van Nieuw‑Zeeland." He emphasized that a simple win, not a dominant performance, is required to keep Belgium’s World Cup hopes alive.