Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 21
Ten-Man Belgium Draws Iran 0-0 After 66th-Minute Ngoy Red Card
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 21

Ten-Man Belgium Draws Iran 0-0 After 66th-Minute Ngoy Red Card

3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 21

Summary

  • Belgium stayed on 2 points after a scoreless draw with Iran in Los Angeles, leaving the 2018 semifinalists at risk of a second straight World Cup group-stage exit.
  • Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute after a badly under-hit back-pass and foul on Mehdi Taremi, forcing Belgium to settle for a point with 10 men.
  • Iran created the clearer openings despite ceding possession: Taremi had a first-half free-kick routine ruled out by VAR for offside, and Thibaut Courtois denied both Hossein Kanani and Taremi.
  • Group G has produced three draws from three games so far; Belgium next face New Zealand, while Iran need at least a point against Egypt to strengthen their knockout-stage hopes.

Insights

Can Iran’s on-field defiance overcome off-field political chaos to secure a historic World Cup knockout berth?
After Belgium’s stumble, is their fading 'golden generation' on the brink of another shocking group stage exit?
Will the storm surrounding Iran's team force FIFA to change how it manages future World Cup host nations?