Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 in their final FIFA World Cup group stage match, and Trossard was interviewed in the FIFA mixed zone after the game.

Was this your best performance?

Well, you could say that. Of course, I scored two goals today, so it's easy for everyone to think that. But I think what's more important is that we all played very well as a team. I'm happy we could score five goals and win the match, and I feel good personally.

Can you talk more about how you're feeling now? You finished top of the group and scored two goals tonight. How would you rate your performance?

Yes, I feel very good. I think we are gradually finding our rhythm in this tournament, and so am I personally. We are really happy to advance to the next round as group winners.

You clearly showed a lot of emotion after your goal. Can you describe how you felt in that moment?

I was very happy. The first goal is always crucial—it helps us truly get into the game. We had already created some chances before that, and I personally hit the post once. After that, we continued to create chances, and the goals came naturally.

What were you thinking after hitting the post? Did you initially think it was a goal and then feel that luck might not be on your side?

There was a bit of that feeling. But overall, I felt good because we were constantly creating chances and just needed that first goal to open the scoring. I felt then that more goals would come.

Did you have any doubts when New Zealand scored?

No, not at all. I think the whole team always felt good and was confident we could win the match today. Of course, scoring five goals and finishing top of the group this way is the icing on the cake, and it feels very good.

You'll continue to stay in Seattle—how important is that? What does this big win mean for your mindset and upcoming matches? Has the external skepticism disappeared now?

I think the skepticism mainly comes from outside. We have always had great confidence in our team. As you can see today, the substitutes performed well and scored goals, and they are equally important to the team. As for staying in Seattle, it's beneficial for us because it reduces travel—that's clear.

Do you feel this is a new beginning?

Yes, we are now in the knockout stage, and every match is a standalone game, a "final" that we must win. I think we are ready. This match gave us a lot of confidence, and scoring many goals is a boost. We can carry this momentum into the next round.

Belgium had a big win against New Zealand and truly controlled the game—something you didn't do in the first two group matches. Does the team feel a sense of relief?

Yes, it really does. I think we also created chances in the first two games, but we didn't convert them. So it was very important to convert those chances into goals today. Scoring many goals is always good, and we are very happy to advance and to advance as group winners. Everyone is happy now.

De Bruyne and Lukaku both scored today, becoming the first Belgian players to score in three different FIFA World Cups. What do they mean to the team?

They mean a lot to the team. Of course, we are happy for every player. I think we have a very good team now, and everyone is important. As you can see today, the substitutes also contributed with goals and assists. We just need to keep this momentum going and carry this performance into the next round.

You mentioned that skepticism mainly comes from outside. Within the team, is there also a desire to prove yourselves?

I think that desire is always there. Everyone wants to show what they can do, especially on a stage like the FIFA World Cup. I think today we proved that we are ready and that everyone is ready for the next match.

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