Most creative player on pitch De Bruyne generated five shots (one on goal), 10 crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Iran. Impact De Bruyne was Belgium's most creative force in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, registering five shots (one on target), three corners, three key passes, ten crosses (two accurate) and one tackle across 87 minutes before being replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo as Belgium pushed desperately for a late winner. The midfielder's best moment came in the second half when his precise cutback found Maxim De Cuyper at point-blank range, only for Alireza Beiranvand to produce a remarkable reflex save that denied what appeared to be a certain goal, and he also forced Beiranvand into a strong stop with a long-range effort earlier in the match. With Belgium needing a win against New Zealand to avoid a second consecutive group stage elimination, De Bruyne's ability to unlock defensive blocks with his delivery, movement and shooting from distance will be the key factor in determining whether this Belgian generation finally delivers at a major tournament.
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