Belgium and Iran played out a 0-0 draw in their World Cup Group G match in California on Sunday. The result leaves both sides with two points ahead of their final group fixtures.
Belgium finished the game with 10 men after defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off for a foul on Mehdi Taremi in the 65th minute. The red card came after Ngoy mishandled a backpass and brought down the Iran forward.
Iran had a goal disallowed in the first half when Mehdi Taremi converted a clever free-kick routine, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a video review. Belgium dominated possession with 81 percent in the opening period yet created few clear chances against an Iran side that featured the oldest starting lineup in World Cup history.
Thibaut Courtois made key saves to preserve the clean sheet, including stops from Taremi and Saeid Ezatolahi. Maxim De Cuyper came closest for Belgium late on but could not find the target.
The stalemate marks a second successive draw for both teams and keeps their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group matches.
