Iran holds on to a draw against a Belgium without a punch

Belgium's "Golden Generation" suffered a new blow of reality, being held to a sterile 0-0 draw against a determined and tactically superior Iran at SoFi Stadium. Rudi García deployed a team that, although it monopolized possession of the ball, showed an alarming lack of ideas to pierce the defensive block erected by Amir Ghalenoei. The Iranian resistance was no coincidence; It was based on a monumental performance by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, who thwarted every Belgian attempt, and on the collective discipline of a team that knew how to suffer when necessary.

The dynamic of the match was broken with the expulsion of Nathan Ngoy, an event that condemned the Red Devils to fight against the current during the final stretch. With one less man on the field, Belgium's hopes were further dashed, especially after Iran survived a goal disallowed that would have been the final punishment. Figures such as Kevin De Bruyne and Mehdi Taremi tried to impose their quality, but the game was cut short in a congested midfield where creativity was conspicuous by its absence on the Belgian side.