News Focus
- Alireza Beiranvand makes a stunning save to keep Belgium at bay
- Nathan Ngoy sent off for denying Mehdi Taremi a clear goalscoring chance
- Iran compete despite travel problems from their base in Mexico
- Romelu Lukaku starts for Belgium after injury troubles
- Goalless result leaves both sides needing results in final group games
Iran’s goalkeeper produced the save of the match to earn his country a vital point against Belgium. Alireza Beiranvand denied the Europeans with an incredible stop just before the hour mark that could help Iran reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
The Iranian keeper had already dived to his left to intercept a low cross from Kevin De Bruyne. While scrambling on the turf, he somehow stretched out his left hand to block Maxim De Cuyper’s close-range effort. Belgium later had Nathan Ngoy sent off for pulling down Mehdi Taremi when the striker was through on goal.
Belgium faced problems before kick-off. Jérémy Doku missed the match through illness, forcing manager Rudi Garcia to make four changes. Romelu Lukaku started up front despite playing only 40 minutes for Napoli last season due to hamstring injuries. The striker nearly scored early on but received a yellow card for catching Beiranvand with his studs while stretching for the ball.
Iran also faced huge difficulties away from the pitch. The team had to stay in Tijuana, Mexico, because several officials were denied entry to the United States. They flew into Los Angeles less than 24 hours before the match started. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei complained that his players had trained only half as much as planned due to the travel chaos.
Tensions rose further when Iran’s football federation accused US officials of spreading false news about team members having links to the Revolutionary Guard. The Iranians believe they are the most poorly treated team at the tournament.
During the match, Iran thought they had scored when Taremi finished a clever free-kick routine, but the video assistant referee ruled the goal offside. Belgium dominated possession but could not break down a determined Iranian defence. De Bruyne shone in patches and created several chances, yet his team could not find the net. The Manchester City star gave the ball away in a dangerous area late on, allowing Saeid Ezatolahi to test Thibaut Courtois with a powerful drive.
The result leaves Belgium facing a nervous wait to see if they can avoid another group stage exit, following their disappointment four years ago.