All Whites 'optimistic' ahead of must-win Belgium clash

All Whites midfielder Joe Bell says it's “all to play for” when New Zealand takes on Belgium in a must-win game at the FIFA World Cup.

The All Whites lost 3-1 to Egypt on Monday, despite leading at the end of the initial 45 minutes. They were unable to replicate their first-half performance after the break, as a flurry of goals from the seven-time African champions destroyed New Zealand's hopes of a historic first win at the tournament.

Belgium’s draw with Iran meant a win against Egypt would have upped the chances of the All Whites securing a spot in the next round.

Saturday’s clash with Belgium in Vancouver is now a must-win for New Zealand if they wish to stay at the tournament, but it won’t be an easy task.

Belgium, ranked 10th in the world, has brought a host of world-class players from across Europe’s top leagues to the tournament. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku, and Leandro Trossard are capable of causing huge problems for the Kiwis.

Speaking to reporters after training, Bell said the team was “disappointed” after their loss to Egypt, but it was time to “move on” and “focus”.

“It's all to play for,” he said. “We came to play knockout football, and that's kind of what we got now.”

It’s been a difficult start to the tournament for Belgium, only managing a 1-1 draw with Egypt and a 0-0 draw with Iran – games they went into as favourites. They are also heavy favourites to beat New Zealand and are under preassure to perform, with the possibility of a group-stage exit should it go wrong for them Saturday.

Bell said the squad recognised the “difficult spot” Belgium were in, and said there were “definitely opportunities”.

“But yeah, you have to recognise the quality that they have. They're ranked in the place that they are for a reason. So, it's going to be challenging, but no, we're very positive, optimistic.

“We want to play our football and give it a good shot.”

He anticipated “a lot of threats” from Belgium, but said the team was focused on progressing their strengths.

“I think we frustrated Iran and Egypt in the first half of those games. So, it's about progressing that slightly further.”

Bell said the intensity of the World Cup was something that needed to be adapted to.

“They take advantage of the smallest mistakes as well, which we saw with the goals that we've conceded.

“So, yeah, it's obviously something to adapt to, but I don't think it's something that's beyond us.”

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