'Absurd red card' despite 23 shots, still no goal... favorite Belgium stunned again by draw, blocked by Iran's defense

*This content was translated by AI.

Favorite Belgium played another disappointing match in consecutive games. Despite overwhelming possession and numerous shots, they failed to secure a victory once again.

On the 22nd (Korea time), Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the North America group at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA.

As a result, Belgium recorded two draws (2 points) in this tournament. Earlier, Belgium also drew 1-1 with Egypt in the first group stage match. At that time, Belgium trailed 0-1 but managed to secure one point thanks to an own goal by the opponent. In this match against Iran, although Belgium controlled the game, they ultimately failed to open the scoring.

According to football statistics media FootMob, Belgium recorded 70% ball possession and 23 total shots on this day. In contrast, Iran managed only 7 total shots but secured a valuable point.

A bigger misfortune also occurred. Belgium's starting center-back Nathan Ngoy (LOSC Lille) received a direct red card. Ngoy will be unable to play in the final group stage match against New Zealand on the 27th. As a favorite for the championship, Belgium could face the worst-case scenario of being eliminated from the group stage.

Belgium coach Rudy Garcia deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne (both from Napoli) started the match. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei countered Belgium with a defensive approach.

The early atmosphere of the match was actually in Iran's favor. In the 14th minute of the first half, Hossein Kanani's volley shot was saved by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid). In the 25th minute of the first half, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) shook the net from a free-kick situation, but the goal was disallowed after video assistant referee (VAR) review declared him offside.

Belgium, having overcome the crisis, gradually shifted the momentum. Lukaku repeatedly drove into the penalty box using his physical strength and power. However, the final touch was lacking. Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton)'s decisive shot from the left side of the penalty box was also saved by the Iranian goalkeeper.

As the frustrating flow continued, Belgium brought out three substitution cards early in the second half. However, no goal came even from decisive chances. In the 14th minute of the second half, De Bruyne collected the ball inside the penalty box and passed it forward toward the goal, and De Cuyper immediately took a shot. However, Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (Tractor) threw his body to block it.

After that, a fatal variable occurred for Belgium. Defender Ngoy was sent off. While passing the ball in his own half, Ngoy made an inexplicable passing error, and Taremi did not miss the chance to steal the ball. Facing a critical scoring threat, Ngoy hurriedly grabbed Taremi. The referee immediately showed a red card.

The unexpected red card to the center-back threw off Belgium's game plan. A goal was absolutely necessary, but they had no choice but to bring on defender Arthur Theate (Frankfurt) instead of Lukaku. Iran, which had been sitting back defensively throughout the match, seized the numerical advantage and created dangerous counter-attacking opportunities.

Belgium prevented a goal but ultimately failed to score. In the end, the match concluded with a 0-0 draw. Having missed consecutive victories in two games, Belgium now faces a heavy burden in the final group stage match.

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*This content was translated by AI.