Beiranvand's seven saves hold Belgium to second straight draw as red card compounds misery

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a heroic seven-save performance to hold Belgium to a 0-0 draw at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, leaving the Red Devils without a goal from open play in two World Cup group matches and in serious danger of an early exit.

Belgium’s afternoon unravelled in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card after miskicking a clearance and then fouling Mehdi Taremi to deny him a clear breakaway. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Belgium actually created the better chances in the closing stages — Maxim De Cuyper was denied twice by Beiranvand, most agonisingly in the 86th minute — but the scoreline never changed.

The result leaves Belgium, ranked 10th in the world and among the pre-tournament favourites, with two points from two games and a mounting goalscoring crisis. Their only contribution to the scoresheet so far came via an own goal in the opening draw with Egypt. Star winger Jérémy Doku missed the Iran match through illness, adding to the sense of a campaign unravelling.

For Iran, the draw represents a missed opportunity that will sting. Playing in front of a loud, supportive crowd in the Los Angeles area, Team Melli had their best chance when Taremi headed home from a set piece in the first half, only for the goal to be ruled out by video review for offside. Iran’s World Cup preparations were disrupted by travel restrictions and visa denials from the United States, making the failure to capitalise on Belgium’s numerical disadvantage all the more frustrating.

Thibaut Courtois was equally sharp at the other end, matching Beiranvand’s excellence and keeping Iran at bay during the first half when they created the clearest early openings. Belgium dominated possession throughout the opening hour but repeatedly found Iran’s defensive shape impenetrable.

Both teams now face must-win scenarios in their final group games if they are to advance.