Belgium and Iran remain searching for their first win of the World Cup after a tense goalless draw that showcased goalkeeping brilliance, missed chances and late Belgian frustration.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Belgium were repeatedly denied by an inspired Alireza Beiranvand, while Thibaut Courtois also produced key stops to keep Iran at bay in a fiercely competitive encounter.
Rudi Garcia’s side controlled large spells of the game with Romelu Lukaku leading the line for his first start in over a year, but their superiority in the ball failed to translate into clear-cut goals, with Iran’s disciplined defensive structure frustrating wave after wave of attack.
Iran, content to absorb pressure, posed a greater threat than expected in the first half, with Courtois forced into action to deny Mehdi Taremi and Hossein Kanani as Team Melli looked dangerous on the counter and from set pieces.
The turning point came after 66 minutes when Belgium were reduced to ten men following Nathan Ngoy’s dismissal for a last-man challenge, handing Iran a numerical advantage they ultimately could not convert.
Even with the extra player, Iran could not find a breakthrough, while Beiranvand continued his standout performance with crucial saves to preserve the deadlock.
Both sides now sit on two points from two matches, leaving qualification finely poised ahead of the final group fixtures, with Belgium left to rue missed opportunities and Iran reflecting on what might have been.
