Belgium dominated possession but failed to find a breakthrough as they went into the break level at 0-0 against Iran in their Group G World Cup clash at SoFi Stadium, with Mehdi Taremi seeing a potential opener ruled out by VAR after a tense and physical first half.
Belgium started with intent and immediately pinned Iran deep inside their own half. Kevin De Bruyne drove the attack and constantly drifted across the pitch looking for gaps. Romelu Lukaku nearly connected with an early delivery into the six-yard area but instead crashed into Alireza Beiranvand and picked up a yellow card after only seven minutes.
The collision also forced Iran’s medical staff onto the pitch after Beiranvand took Lukaku’s studs into his chest. The goalkeeper continued and soon became Iran’s most important player.
Belgium created the clearer chances. Beiranvand blocked De Bruyne before stopping Leandro Trossard on the rebound in one sequence. Lukaku then saw another effort blocked as Belgium kept sending runners into dangerous areas.
Iran struggled to escape for much of the opening spell. Taremi remained isolated and Belgium closed passing lanes around him. Amir Ghalenoei’s side lacked rhythm early on and looked stuck inside their own half.
Iran slowly found their footing after 15 minutes. Hossein Kanaanizadegan forced Thibaut Courtois into a low save and the game started to open up. The crowd also helped drive the atmosphere, with a strong Iranian presence inside the stadium creating noise throughout the half.
The biggest moment arrived when Taremi thought he had put Iran ahead with an excellent finish from a free-kick routine. Celebrations ended quickly. VAR spotted him moving from an offside position inside the Belgian wall and ruled the goal out.
Belgium kept pushing before the interval but frustration started to show. De Bruyne reacted angrily after consecutive fouls and Lukaku looked short of rhythm. He chased long balls and fought defenders but struggled to influence the game in the final third.
Belgium controlled territory and possession. Iran survived and started asking questions of their own. The second half remains open.
