Kevin De Bruyne's personal milestone behind his New Zealand strike

Kevin De Bruyne found the net in Belgium's 3‑0 victory over New Zealand on Friday evening, a strike he marked as especially memorable. He later explained that the goal resonated far beyond the match result, tying into personal milestones and the team's progress in the tournament. De Bruyne cautioned against premature celebration, insisting that the real work was only beginning. "It's not a party," he said, adding, "Sure we are happy because after two days we were in a bad position. The only thing we could do was win our own match. That's what we did." He noted that Belgium's group topping was bolstered by the result of another match, allowing the side to remain in Seattle. "Because of the other match's result we finish first and we can stay in Seattle. That's an advantage in itself," De Bruyne emphasized.

Leandro Trossard's masterclass lifts Belgium past New Zealand

The win followed disappointing draws against Egypt and Iran, which had drawn heavy criticism over the Red Devils' lack of efficiency. De Bruyne referenced the so‑called 'ketchup bottle' theory that finally worked against New Zealand. He praised the team's forward play, saying every side wants to create chances and score, and that Belgium succeeded in the final step this time. "Each team wants to play forward, create chances and score. In the first two matches we didn't manage that final step. Today, yes," De Bruyne acknowledged. On a personal note, the goal coincided with his ninth wedding anniversary, his children watching at home, and a tattoo on his arm that commemorates his family. "Today marks exactly nine years since I married my wife. She was present, my kids were watching at home, and the tattoo on my arm references them. That made the goal even more special," he smiled.