FIFA WC 2026: Goalless draw with Iran in Group G frustrates Belgium
Los Angeles, June 22
Belgium was left frustrated after a goalless draw with Iran in their FIFA World Cup Group G match. The game finished goalless, but it was incident-stacked. Belgium registered 20 shots, Thibaut Courtois made two superb saves to deny Iran, Mehdi Taremi had a goal disallowed for offside, and Nathan Ngoy was sent off.
The result means that the Red Devils and Team Melli can both go through and both go out as it is all to play for in Group G.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia told the post-match press conference, "We lacked efficiency up front. We hit the target, but we didn't test the goalkeeper enough. Playing with ten men didn't help either. We've had matches like this before and usually scored at least three goals. That's part of a slow start to a World Cup. At times, we looked a bit hesitant."
The match was marked by some terrific saves from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and his Belgian counterpart Thibaut Courtois, with Belgium dominating possession but ending with 10 men after the dismissal of center-back Nathan Ngoy in the 66th minute.
"We expected to dominate and we did. So tactically, in terms of the game plan, we played as we wanted to. The Iranian team were going to hit us hard on the breakaways and their set pieces are very good. We responded well but we could've done better - maybe we were a little naive. If you're not efficient, you can't score, and if you don't score, you can't win the match," Garcia added.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said, "We have to analyse what went wrong because we created so many chances without scoring, and that's frustrating."
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said, "I'm very frustrated. I think the ball didn't roll for us in the last 30 metres. It was the type of game in which the ball is just not dropping for you, and everything goes well for them - and their goalkeeper had a brilliant game."
In the first round of Group G matches, Belgium was held 1-1 by Egypt, while Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand.
In Group G, the third round kicks off simultaneously on June 26. Belgium faces New Zealand in Vancouver, Canada, while Iran plays Egypt in Seattle, the United States.
"Obviously, we had hoped to start better and win all our matches - or at least one," Garcia admitted, adding, "We know exactly what result we'll need against New Zealand."
Lukaku noted, "It's a World Cup, it's the biggest tournament, the biggest stage. We don't want to go home. We want to go as far as possible, and we want to put ourselves in the greatest position. Let's go for it."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm not a football expert, but this result is huge for Asian football. Iran showing they can compete with top European teams. Reminds me of when India held strong teams in the Asian Cup. So proud of Team Melli! Asia is rising!
Belgium's problem is clear - they rely too much on individual brilliance, no team chemistry. Lukaku saying 'ball didn't roll for us' is just an excuse. When you have 20 shots and 0 goals, you need to look at your tactics, not luck. Honest opinion!
As someone who watched football in the US, this group is wide open! Iran with 2 points, Belgium with 2 points, Egypt and New Zealand with 1 each. Anyone can go through. Love the drama of World Cup group stages! 😎
That red card for Ngoy changed everything. Before that, Belgium was pushing hard. 10 men vs a well-organized Iran defense is tough. But respect to Iran for holding on. This is why I love World Cup - every match has a story! 🇮🇷💪
Courtois made two great saves, but Belgium's attack is toothless. Lukaku looks past his prime. If I were Rudi Garcia, I'd start experimenting with younger strikers. They need more than just possession to win games at this level.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.