Iran have drawn 0-0 with 10-man Belgium in a tense World Cup Group G encounter, leaving the group wide open and the Socceroos unsure of their potential knockout round opponent.
Red Card Decisive Moment
Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off on 66 minutes for a last-man foul on Iran's Mehdi Taremi after a woeful back-pass. Despite the numerical advantage, Iran could not break the deadlock, setting up crucial final group matches.
Iran thought they had taken the lead earlier following a clever free-kick routine, but Taremi was ruled offside after a lengthy video review.
Courtois Keeps Belgium Alive
Thibaut Courtois made two smart saves to keep Iran at bay, but Belgium dominated possession and created chances without finding the net. Iran's defence put their bodies on the line to secure a valuable point.
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, starting his first match for club or country since June last year due to injury, looked short of ideas alongside fellow veterans from the Golden Generation. “We had plenty of chances, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. We need to analyse this match. We played with too much emotion. I’m pleased that I was able to play for over an hour, but of course not with the result. We have to win the next match,” Lukaku told Sporza.
Group Standings and Final Matches
Both Belgium and Iran have two points from two Group G matches. A win on the final matchday on June 26 would see either advance, but New Zealand or Egypt could top the table if they win their match in Vancouver.
Belgium face New Zealand in Vancouver, while Iran play Egypt in Seattle simultaneously. The Socceroos, if they secure a draw or defeat Paraguay on Friday, will finish second in Group D and face the Group G runner-up.
Off-Field Tensions
Iran's participation has been overshadowed by the war between Iran and co-host the US. Boos greeted the Iranian national anthem from sections of the stadium, reflecting the large Iranian diaspora in southern California opposed to the Islamic Republic.
Before kick-off, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin claimed Iran had “tried to get somebody in yesterday” with direct ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Iran’s football federation vehemently denied this, calling it “an outright and undeniable lie.”
The federation added: “The claim ... is completely unsupported by any evidence or documentation, but also represent a clear attempt to cover up discriminatory behavior and unreasonable restrictions.”
Iranian players and coaches have complained about logistical challenges, including shuttling from Mexico instead of being based in Tucson, Arizona, and the barring of some officials. The federation has said it will pursue a complaint against FIFA.
Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match: “We don’t ask for much. We just ask for the same procedure as for all the other 47 teams. Hopefully we can bring everyone who is involved and help us with us.”
