World Cup: Iran Hold 10-Man Belgium To Keep Knockout Dream Alive

Belgium’s Workd Cup second round qualification hopes suffered another setback as Iran secured a hard-earned point in Los Angeles.

Iran boosted their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after holding Belgium to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Group G, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivering a standout performance in Los Angeles.

The 33-year-old produced a series of crucial saves throughout the contest, including a remarkable stop to deny Maxim De Cuyper early in the second half, as Iran secured a valuable point against a Belgium side that finished the match with 10 men.

Belgium’s hopes of claiming their first victory of the tournament suffered a major setback in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on Mehdi Taremi. The dismissal made the 23-year-old the youngest player to receive a red card at a World Cup since 2014.

Despite dominating possession and registering 11 shots, Belgium struggled to convert their chances and were repeatedly frustrated by Beiranvand. Youri Tielemans was denied from close range in the first half, while De Cuyper saw a promising effort brilliantly kept out after the break.

Iran thought they had taken the lead midway through the opening half when Taremi finished off an inventive free-kick routine, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review.

Belgium also relied on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made an important save to prevent Taremi from scoring his first goal of the tournament during his record-breaking 17th World Cup appearance for the Red Devils.

The result leaves Belgium in danger of a group-stage exit after drawing their opening two matches, while Iran remain firmly in contention for a historic place in the knockout rounds. The draw also marked the first time Iran have avoided defeat in their opening two matches at a World Cup.