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The victory of the Pharaohs became inevitable.
Belgium failed to get their first win in Group G at the World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada after facing a steady defensive display from Iran and a brilliant display from goalkeeper Ali Reza Beiranvand as the two teams drew 0-0 in the second round of the group stage on Sunday night.
The Red Devils dominated the match for both halves, but they were unable to convert their advantage into goals thanks to Iran’s organized defense and an exceptional goalkeeper who saved his team in crucial situations.
Belgian control in vain
Technical director Rudi Garcia chose an attacking formation (4-2-3-1) that included Romelu Lukaku in attack, supported by Alexis Salemakers, Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard.
On the other hand, the Iranian national team relied on the defensive formation (5-4-1) led by Mehti Taremi.
The match heated up early as Lukaku was booked for a collision with goalkeeper Beiranvand (3rd minute). The Belgians were in possession of the ball and pressed forward, but De Bruyne and De Kuyper’s shots did not find the net (9th minute).
The possibilities of Iran’s counterattacks
Despite Belgium’s pressure, Iran had a dangerous chance through Kanaani, who hit a powerful ball that Courtois blocked brilliantly (14th minute).
Taremi thought he had opened the scoring with a free-kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside (27th minute), so the first half ended in a goalless draw despite De Kuyper’s late chance (44th minute).
Beyranvand saves Iran
The Belgians continued to attack in the second half as Salemaekers missed a chance from a corner kick (50th minute).
After introducing Vanaken, Castagne and Lukebakio, the Belgians thought they had equalized but Beiranvand made a superb save from De Kuyper’s close-range shot (59′).
Najvi’s ouster complicates matters
Things got more complicated for Belgium after Ngouy received a straight red card for a foul on Taremi (67th minute), so the Red Devils finished the game with ten men.
Due to the numerical disadvantage, the Belgians lost their offensive efficiency, and Iran tried to manipulate the situation, but Courtois blocked a strong shot (82nd minute).
Exciting final minutes
In the last minutes, Beiranvand continued his brilliance with another save from De Kuyper’s attempts (87′, 88′), keeping a clean sheet and earning a valuable point for the team.
Group arrangement
The result leaves Belgium provisionally second in Group G with two points, level with Iran, before they face Egypt and New Zealand in the early hours of Monday, with the winner to top the group.
