Belgium held by Iran after red card in Group G stalemate
Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran in Los Angeles, leaving Group G wide open after Nathan Ngoy’s second-half dismissal.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Belgium’s World Cup campaign tightened further Sunday after a 0-0 draw with Iran at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, AFP reported. Nathan Ngoy’s second-half red card left Belgium short-handed, and the result kept the Red Devils at risk of a second straight group-stage exit.
According to AFP, Belgium had more of the ball but did little with it for long stretches, while Iran produced the clearer openings. The draw means all three Group G matches played so far have finished level.
Belgium, featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in an experienced lineup, moved to two points, AFP reported. Rudi Garcia’s team closes the group against New Zealand, described by AFP as the tournament’s lowest-ranked side.
Iran also faces a decisive final match, needing at least a point against Egypt next Friday, according to AFP. Team Melli have dealt with visa and travel complications while moving between their Mexico base and fixtures in the United States, and AFP reported that restrictions were expected to ease for the trip to Seattle.
Iran threaten despite Belgium possession
AFP reported that Iran changed shape and defended with five at the back, inviting Belgium to circulate the ball around the edge of the area. Belgium completed long spells of possession in the first half but struggled to turn that control into clear chances.
Lukaku, restored to the starting side after coming off the bench in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, headed over in the 36th minute, according to AFP. Iran’s Hossein Kanani then forced Thibaut Courtois into a low save after a long throw.
Iran thought they had gone ahead through Mehdi Taremi midway through the first half, AFP reported. The striker finished after a set-piece routine, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
Taremi nearly struck again after halftime when Kanani redirected another long throw into his path, according to AFP. Courtois stopped that effort to keep the match scoreless.
Ngoy dismissal changes the finish
Garcia made three substitutions around the hour mark, and Belgium briefly looked sharper, AFP reported. Maxim De Cuyper was denied from close range after De Bruyne’s cut-back, and substitute Hans Vanaken fired over after the rebound came loose.
The game swung again when Ngoy underhit a pass back toward Courtois and then used his arm against Taremi as the Iran forward chased the ball through on goal, according to AFP. The defender was sent off, leaving Belgium to finish with 10 men.
AFP reported that the closing stages became tense and untidy, though De Cuyper still threatened with a low shot from just outside the area. Neither team found a winner.
Off the pitch, AFP reported that protesters from Los Angeles’ Iranian American community gathered at the stadium for a second Iran match in a row to chant against Iran’s government. Inside, Iran’s national anthem was met with boos and whistles, while the players received strong support during the match.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.