Iran Holds Belgium 0-0 for 2nd Draw as Travel Curbs Leave Knockout Chance Alive

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 22

0-0 with Belgium left Iran unbeaten through two World Cup matches and still in contention to reach the knockout round for the first time in seven appearances.
Seven saves from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand underpinned the result after a first-half collision with Romelu Lukaku; Iran also had a goal ruled out for offside and could not score after Belgium went down to 10 men.
Less than 16 hours in the U.S. before kickoff, a same-night return to Mexico and visa limits on staff have become central complaints from coach Amir Ghalenoei, who said the team arrived in the tournament in its worst condition possible.
Late-February U.S.-Israeli strikes had already disrupted Iran's soccer infrastructure, halting its domestic league, forcing a training-base switch from Tucson to Tijuana and canceling warmup matches.
Friday's group finale against Egypt in Seattle could decide whether Iran turns that disrupted buildup into a historic first advance, with players still seeking the same travel treatment as the other 47 teams.