Belgium held to goalless draw by Iran, face decisive New Zealand clash after Ngoy red card

Match recap

Belgium dominated possession but failed to break down a stubborn Iranian defence at SoFi Stadium, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand making seven saves to earn Team Melli a point. The Red Devils had 68 percent of the ball and created several chances, yet could not find the net for the second consecutive match after an opening 1-1 draw with Egypt. Iran had the best early opportunity when Mehdi Taremi had a goal ruled out for offside following a video review.

We could have won by three goals against Iran but we weren't efficient enough. We had many attempts and when you don't score, you don't win a match.

Ngoy dismissal shifts momentum

The game turned in the 66th minute when Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card for hauling down Taremi as the forward broke through on goal. Despite playing the final half-hour with 10 men, Belgium continued to push for a winner, with Maxim De Cuyper denied twice by Beiranvand, including a golden chance in the 86th minute. Iran could not capitalise on the numerical advantage, and both sides left with their second straight draw.

Attacking woes and missing Doku

Belgium sorely missed winger Jérémy Doku, who was absent with a respiratory infection. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, both 33 and 34, struggled to impose themselves, with Lukaku particularly inefficient in the penalty area. International media were scathing: L'Équipe said Belgium "lacked aggression and precision in the final pass", while the BBC described "further signs of decline" for the ageing golden generation. The Guardian noted the team looked "laboured in attack" without Doku's energy.

We lacked efficiency, but their goalkeeper also played the game of his life. Today, goalkeepers are just important in football. Even keepers from smaller countries can stop everything if you are not efficient enough.

Iran's travel turmoil

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed his squad had only 16 hours to prepare for the Belgium match, having been forced to cut short training at their base in Tijuana, Mexico. He said conditions were worse than before the 2-2 draw with New Zealand, when they had 24 hours. Ghalenoei claimed he asked a question of all 47 other coaches at the tournament and "none of them replied", though he praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino for efforts to assist. He also noted that Belgian coach Rudi Garcia had said "we are here for football, not politics".

I asked a question to the 47 other coaches and none of them replied.

Group G picture

Egypt lead the group with four points after beating New Zealand 3-1. Belgium and Iran each have two points, with New Zealand on one. Belgium face New Zealand on Friday in Vancouver, while Iran meet Egypt on 27 June in Seattle. Garcia insisted qualification remains in his team's hands, but acknowledged the start has fallen short of expectations. His contract expires at the end of the tournament, and the 62-year-old is under scrutiny from the Belgian football association.

This group is not weak. We need to show we are capable of beating New Zealand and moving into the round of 32.