Garcia lauds his leaders after NZ win

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia credited his senior players for leading the charge in their 5-1 rout of New Zealand at the World Cup ​on Friday, brushing aside criticism about the team's veteran core earlier in the tournament.

Leandro ‌Trossard, 31, struck twice as Belgium thrashed New Zealand to clinch top spot in Group G and advance to the round of 32. Kevin De Bruyne (34), Romelu Lukaku (33) and Alexis Saelemaekers (27) ​were also on the scoresheet.

Belgium finished above Egypt on goal difference after both ​sides ended with five points from three matches. The Belgians will ⁠next face one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Garcia told reporters that his ​side were more efficient than in their games against Egypt and Iran.

"This is what ​the oldies did tonight, quote unquote," he added. "Now, we haven't won anything yet but we moved on to the next phase, but thank goodness we had a difference of four goals and ​that gave us the opportunity to be first of the group ...

"We can't say ​that we are fully into it but we are growing into it. We're gaining momentum. We'll ‌see ⁠against whom we will be playing in the round of 32, but we will relish this first victory."

Garcia made five changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Iran.

Striker Romelu Lukaku was dropped to the bench, while winger Jeremy Doku returned to ​the starting line-up after ​recovering from illness ⁠and a brief absence following the birth of his son.

Asked whether external criticism about the team's "oldies" had been a motivation, Garcia ​said: "No, I did not read it, but this is what ​I've heard ⁠from France, from Belgium and this is not a source of motivation honestly.

"I trust my players and that's why my team is the way it is right now.

"I fully ⁠trust ​my leaders and there's only one thing that ​we can do. It's actually happening on the pitch and so the answer happened on the pitch and ​I have nothing else to say."