Iran and Belgium drew 0-0 in World Cup Group G on Sunday in Inglewood, California, as Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves to earn Iran a point.
Belgium played the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Nathan Ngoy received a red card in the 66th minute. Officials sent him off for denying a scoring chance after a poor back pass.
Beiranvand, 33, recorded his second clean sheet in seven appearances across three World Cups. He also made six saves in Iran’s opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Belgium still controlled the match despite the red card. The team held 68% possession, outshot Iran 7-3 on target and completed 608 passes to Iran’s 269.
Beiranvand made the key late stop in the 86th minute when he denied Maxim De Cuyper. De Cuyper finished with four shots on goal.
Iran thought it had scored in the 25th minute through Mehdi Taremi. VAR overturned the goal for offside and encroachment by Taremi.
Thibaut Courtois kept Belgium level with a diving save in the 14th minute. He later caught Taremi’s close-range shot in the 53rd minute.
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The result left both Belgium and Iran on two points after two Group G matches. Each team can still advance with a win on June 26.
Belgium will face New Zealand in Vancouver on the final matchday. Iran will play Egypt at the same time in Seattle.
