Belgium's Xavier Reckinger (R) disputes a ball with New Zealand's Ryan Archibald during their men's group B hockey match at Riverbank Arena. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
New Zealand needed to beat Europeans and have other results go their way if they were to make the semifinals.
The Kiwis struggled against the pace and precision of Belgium, ranked four places below them in the world at 11th, and had goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex to thank for keeping them in the game.
After a scoreless first half Tom Boon struck for Belgium in the 54th minute when he lifted the ball over Pontifex.
Nick Wilson then showed some brilliance, beating two players before tucking past Vincent Vanasch from a tight angle to level the scores 16 minutes from the end.
The Black Sticks will play one more game to determine their lower ranking.
