"This is how we protect our land": Ghalibaf lauds Beiranvand's performance in FIFA WC 2026 match vs Belgium
Tehran, June 22
Iran's Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf on Monday lauded Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand for producing a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the Group G match against Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2026, affirming, "This is how we protect our land."
In a post on X, the speaker, sharing an image from Iran's second Group G match in which the team held Belgium to a hard-fought 0-0 draw, hailed the goalkeeper for his outstanding performance.
"This is how we protect our land," he captioned the post.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper earned widespread praise after his magnificent performance at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday (Local Time). Beiranvand made seven saves in total, including four diving stops and three high claims, while also preventing an estimated 1.70 goals.
His heroics ensured Iran secured a valuable point and earned him the 'Superior Player of the Match' award.
Belgium began the contest on the front foot and dominated possession during the opening stages. Maxim De Cuyper tested Beiranvand with a powerful long-range effort, but the Iranian shot-stopper was equal to the challenge.
Iran remained threatening on the counterattack and thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Mehdi Taremi converted a cleverly worked free-kick routine. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside.
The Belgian attack continued to probe throughout the first half, creating several opportunities, but Beiranvand repeatedly came to Iran's rescue with a string of crucial interventions.
The game shifted dramatically in the 66th minute when Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card for bringing down Taremi after a defensive mistake left the Iranian striker through on goal. The dismissal, the eighth red card of the tournament, forced Belgium to adopt a more cautious approach for the remainder of the match.
With the numerical advantage, Iran pushed forward in search of a winner, introducing fresh attacking options and applying sustained pressure on the Belgian backline. Despite a series of late attacks, they could not find the breakthrough.
The draw leaves Group G finely balanced, with Iran sitting top and Belgium second on two points. New Zealand and Egypt are both on one point, keeping qualification prospects open for all four teams heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an American, I have to say this was one of the best goalkeeping displays I've seen in a World Cup. Beiranvand was like a wall. Belgium threw everything at him but he stood tall. That save from De Cuyper was world class!
This is exactly how you represent your nation on the world stage! From an Indian perspective, we can learn a lot from Iran's fighting spirit. Beiranvand showed that passion and dedication can make even the most difficult task look easy. And that red card for Belgium - proper game changer!
Brilliant from Iran! But I feel a bit sad for Belgium - dominating possession yet unable to score. Beiranvand was simply unbeatable. That VAR decision for Taremi's goal was so close! This group is wide open now - exciting times ahead for Asian football! 🎉
Respect to Beiranvand - that was a legendary performance. However, I'm a bit disappointed with Belgium's lack of composure in front of goal. They had so many chances. And that red card? Completely justified but it ruined the game as a contest. Iran fans must be ecstatic right now!
As an Indian football fan, seeing Asian teams perform at this level gives me so much hope! Beiranvand showed the world what Iran is made of. That save in the first half was something else. Hope we can see India reach such heights one day. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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