Disappointing Belgium frustrated again as Iran battle to hard-fought draw

The headline team news in Los Angeles was all about the golden oldies, as 33-year-old Romelu Lukaku made his first start for club or country since June 9 last year, which saw the striker become Belgium’s third most-capped player of all time.

Meanwhile, Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei named the oldest starting lineup for a WC game since records began in 1966, with an average age of 32 years and 181 days.

Ghalenoei’s record-breaking XI barely got out of their half before the interval, and Maxim De Cuyper fired an early warning shot straight at Alireza Beiranvand after Kevin De Bruyne’s effort deflected into his path.

However, Iran nearly took a shock 14th-minute lead from their first attack when Hossein Kanani lashed goalwards, forcing Thibaut Courtois into an excellent low save.

Beiranvand tipped Youri Tielemans’ shot around the near post as Belgium continued to dominate, but the Red Devils received a big let-off in the 25th minute.

Ehsan Hajsafi fooled the Belgians by shaping to shoot from a free-kick 30 yards out before sliding the ball through to Mehdi Taremi, who finished low into the corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. 

Normal service soon resumed, and Beiranvand made another save late in the half when De Cuyper drifted in behind to meet Tielemans’ through ball on the volley.

The pattern of the first half continued after the break, with Belgium controlling possession but Iran creating the better chances, as Courtois had to be at his best again to parry Taremi’s volley.

The Red Devils had a golden chance just before the hour, when De Bruyne plucked the ball from the sky and squared for De Cuyper six yards out, but Beiranvand somehow made the save.

Iran had hung in the contest admirably, and they got their reward midway through the half when Nathan Ngoy underhit a backpass and hauled down Taremi, with referee Darío Herrera producing a straight red card.

Ghalenoei’s side could not make their advantage count, with Beiranvand thwarting De Cuyper for a fourth time after the left-back fired goalwards on the turn late on.

Nevertheless, Iran will be thrilled to claim their second successive draw against a volatile backdrop off the pitch, while Belgium badly missed Jeremy Doku - who was out with illness - as their winless run at the finals stretched to four matches (D3, L1).

Both sides now have two points from two games and could need to win their final fixture to qualify for the last-32, with Belgium facing New Zealand in Vancouver and Iran taking on Egypt in Seattle.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Alireza Beiranvand (Iran)

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