Belgium ring changes as Lukaku benched; New Zealand make two switches for Group G World Cup clash
VANCOUVER, June 26 : Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made wholesale changes for Friday's crucial Group G World Cup clash against New Zealand, with five alterations to the side that drew 0-0 with Iran.
• Striker Romelu Lukaku, still searching for his first goal of the tournament, has been dropped to the bench.
• Winger Jeremy Doku returns to the starting lineup after recovering from illness and a brief absence following the birth of his son.
• Garcia has also left out Thomas Meunier, Nicolas Raskin and Alexis Saelemaekers from the starting lineup, while Nathan Ngoy is suspended following his red card against Iran.
• New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley has made two changes after the 3-1 defeat by Egypt.
• Michael Boxall and Callum McCowatt have been dropped as Bazeley reshuffled his side.
Lineups:
New Zealand - Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace, Finn Surman; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Ryan Thomas; Chris Wood.
Belgium - Thibaut Courtois; Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Timothy Castagne; Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken; Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.
