Iran hold Belgium to goalless draw as World Cup campaign gains momentum
Iran’s national football team produced a defensive masterclass against Belgium on Sunday, holding the tournament favourites to a goalless draw in a result that keeps Team Melli firmly in contention for a historic knockout-stage berth.
Despite Belgium’s overwhelming possession and star-studded lineup featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, it was Iran who created the game’s clearest chances.
Mehdi Taremi had a first-half strike ruled out for offside by VAR, and the Iranian defence frustrated the Red Devils throughout, culminating in a red card for Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy after a desperate foul on Taremi.
Iran used seven saves from Alireza Beiranvand, who earned his second clean sheet in his seventh appearance across three World Cups. He also had six saves in Iran's opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
The Iranian squad has been competing under extraordinary circumstances.
The team was forced to relocate its training camp to Mexico after the outbreak of the US‑Israeli war of aggression against Iran, which began on February 28.
Despite the war, travel restrictions and visa issues, the players have shown remarkable resilience.
Iran now sit on two points from two matches, alongside Belgium and Egypt, with all three teams level in the group.
Their final group fixture against Egypt on Friday will decide their fate.
A win would secure Iran’s passage to the knockout rounds for the first time since 1978.
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