FIFA World Cup: Iran play 10-man Belgium to 0-0 draw

Iran used seven saves from Alireza Beiranvand and a man advantage from a Belgium red card to pull out a 0-0 draw in the second consecutive tie for both teams in World Cup Group G play Sunday afternoon in Inglewood, California.

Beiranvand, 33, kept his second clean sheet in his seventh World Cup appearance. He also made six saves in Iran’s first match, a 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

Iran gained a numerical advantage in the 66th minute when Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy was shown a red card for pulling down an Iranian attacker after a bad back pass created a clear scoring chance.

Even after Belgium were reduced to 10 men for the last 30 minutes, Iran still had only 32% possession. They also had fewer shots on target (7-3) and fewer passes (608-269).

Despite being a man down, Belgium still created the best chance in the final stages, but Beiranvand made a diving save in the 86th minute to deny Maxim De Cuyper, who had four shots on target.

The result means both Belgium and Iran have two points after two Group G matches. A win in their final match on June 26 could still send either team through, but it also opens the door for New Zealand or Egypt to top the group if they win their next game.

Belgium will face New Zealand in Vancouver, while Iran will play Egypt in Seattle on the final matchday.

Belgium controlled the early part of the game, but Iran had the better chances overall. Iran thought they had scored in the 25th minute when Mehdi Taremi’s free-kick variation went into the net, but VAR ruled it out for offside and encroachment.

Earlier, Thibaut Courtois made a diving save in the 14th minute to keep Belgium level.

In the 53rd minute, Taremi had a close-range chance but shot straight at Courtois, who saved it comfortably.

Beiranvand made several important saves in the first half, but his most crucial came in the second half when he stopped a close-range De Cuyper shot in the 59th minute and gathered the rebound.