De Bruyne hails Vancouver as Belgium set up Senegal tie

The manner in which the World Cup has been embraced by the city of Vancouver has ​not gone unnoticed, with Belgium playmaker Kevin ‌De Bruyne praising BC Place after his side's 5-1 rout of New Zealand on Friday secured top spot in Group G ​and a place in the round of ​32.

De Bruyne described BC Place as a "real football ⁠stadium" following Belgium's resounding win over New Zealand.

The ​34-year-old's quality was on full display as he got ​on the scoresheet and the fans repeatedly sang his chant -- 'Oh Kevin De Bruyne' -- in admiration.

"The city of Vancouver, I've only ​been here for a short stay, but I ​have to say it was a really nice stadium to play ‌in," ⁠the former Manchester City midfielder told reporters.

Belgium played their opening two matches of the tournament in Seattle and Los Angeles. "The other two are massive, but you ​have all ​the NFL ⁠feeling, so I think for us it's really nice," De Bruyne said. "You felt ​it on the pitch; it's a bit ​different, ⁠so it was a pleasure."

Belgium finished above Egypt on goal difference after both ended with five points from ⁠three ​matches.

The Belgians will face one of ​the eight best third-placed teams in the round of 32.