The All Whites must secure victory against Belgium on Saturday afternoon NZ time to maintain their prospects of advancing to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
New Zealand has drawn once and lost once in Group G after surrendering leads in matches against both Iran and Egypt. Belgium, ranked world No 10, also needs a win in Vancouver to avoid elimination.
All Whites midfielder Eli Just said Belgium's two draws so far make them more dangerous heading into the match. "The fact that we've got nothing to lose, we're going to go and give it everything we've got," Just said.
The 26-year-old Motherwell midfielder found the net two goals against Iran in the All Whites' opening World Cup match in Los Angeles, making history as the first New Zealand player to score a brace in a single World Cup fixture. All Whites coach Darren Bazeley believed Just's World Cup performances would put him on the radar of different club sides.
Just, who has represented New Zealand at under-17, under-20 and Olympic level, said belief remains high in the squad despite the mixed results and that he does not feel pressure ahead of facing Belgium captain Kevin de Bruyne's side.