Beiranvand shines as Iran hold 10-Man Belgium to World Cup stalemate

By Daniel Akinte

Iran took another significant step toward a historic place in the World Cup knockout rounds after earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Belgium, thanks largely to a breathtaking performance from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

The Iranian shot-stopper produced what may go down as one of the saves of the tournament, somehow denying Maxim De Cuyper from point-blank range midway through the second half.

After scrambling across his goal to deal with Kevin De Bruyne’s dangerous cross, Beiranvand looked beaten when the ball fell kindly for the Belgian defender inside the six-yard box. Yet, with remarkable reflexes, he stretched out a strong left hand to keep the effort out before gathering the loose ball.

That stunning intervention preserved a valuable point for Iran, who have now collected draws against both Egypt and Belgium and remain firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32.

Belgium, meanwhile, are facing growing pressure. Despite dominating possession and registering numerous attempts on goal, Rudi Garcia’s side once again failed to find the net.

Their frustrations deepened in the second half when defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off for bringing down Mehdi Taremi as the Iranian striker raced through on goal.

The Red Devils created the better opportunities throughout the contest, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield and Romelu Lukaku making his first start in over a year.

However, Beiranvand stood tall whenever called upon, frustrating Belgium’s attack and ensuring his side left Los Angeles with a precious point.

Iran also had moments of their own. Mehdi Taremi thought he had broken the deadlock in the first half after finishing a clever free-kick routine, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. Thibaut Courtois was also required to make important saves to keep Belgium level.

Even after gaining a numerical advantage following Ngoy’s dismissal, Iran could not find a winner, though they arguably left the happier of the two teams.

For Belgium, the draw extends a worrying run of form at major tournaments and leaves them needing a positive result in their final group match against New Zealand to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

For Iran, however, belief continues to grow. Inspired by Beiranvand’s heroics and a disciplined team performance, they remain on course to achieve what no Iranian side has managed before — a place in the World Cup knockout stage.