Iran vs Belgium ended in a goalless draw on Sunday as goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered another standout performance to help Iran secure a valuable point in their FIFA World Cup Group G clash.
Playing in Inglewood, California, Iran held Belgium to a 0-0 draw despite spending much of the match under pressure. The result leaves both teams with two points from their opening two group-stage matches.
Beiranvand was the key figure for Iran, producing seven saves to record his second consecutive clean sheet at the tournament. The 33-year-old had also made six saves during Iran’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening match.
Belgium’s task became more difficult in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy received a red card for bringing down an Iranian attacker after a misplaced back pass created a clear scoring opportunity.
Despite gaining a numerical advantage, Iran struggled to dominate possession. Belgium controlled 68 percent of the ball and completed significantly more passes, while Iran relied on quick transitions and counter-attacks.
The best opportunity in the closing stages fell to Belgium. In the 86th minute, Maxim De Cuyper forced a superb diving save from Beiranvand, who preserved the deadlock with one of the match’s defining moments.
Iran came close to taking the lead in the first half when Mehdi Taremi found the net from a well-worked free-kick routine. However, VAR intervened and ruled out the goal for offside and encroachment.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also played an important role, making a crucial save in the 14th minute before comfortably denying Taremi from close range early in the second half.
The draw leaves Group G finely balanced heading into the final round of matches. Iran will face Egypt in Seattle, while Belgium take on New Zealand in Vancouver on June 26.
Both teams remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage, although the result has increased the chances of New Zealand or Egypt finishing top of the group.
