Belgium and Iran shared the spoils in a goalless draw in their FIFA World Cup Group G encounter on June 21 (ET), a game that flattered to deceive for the Red Devils. Rudi Garcia’s side dominated possession from the off, controlling 81% of the ball and completing 376 passes to Iran’s 91 in the first half alone.

But for all that territory, they only mustered 0.91 expected goals from 11 shots, repeatedly running into a goalkeeper in inspired form. Iran thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute when Mehdi Taremi tucked home Ehsan Hajisafi’s disguised free-kick, only for VAR to chalk it off for marginal offside.

Things got worse for the Red Devils in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red for pulling Taremi back, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Belgium were hanging on in the closing stages with a man less. The draw leaves both nations on two points apiece in a FIFA World Cup Group G that now looks gloriously unpredictable.

So, without further ado, here are five talking points from a fascinating night at the Los Angeles Stadium in California:

5) Beiranvand delivers a goalkeeping performance for the ages

Alireza Beiranvand will have a lot to do with Iran walking away from Los Angeles dreaming of the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds. The veteran shot-stopper had a commanding performance, throwing himself in the path of everything Belgium could conjure. The same imperious figure denied the the Red Devils throughout the entire game.

Beiranvand also got onto Youri Tielemans’ early drive and reacted brilliantly to regular efforts from Romelu Lukaku, Maxim De Cuyper, Leandro Trossard, and others. There were 23 shots at his goal on the night, and the goalkeeper ensured that none entered, winning his country a precious point single-handedly.

4) Belgium’s golden generation shows signs of fading

There is a lot of talent across their entire starting XI, but Belgium are still a side looking for an identity. The Red Devils have taken just two points from two fixtures after being held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their opener. This is a country that finished third in the 2018 FIFA World Cup but was eliminated in the group stage in 2022.

The present bunch have a number of players who were part of those previous FIFA World Cup editions. Yet, they are doing little to suggest that brighter days are just around the corner. Their lineup seemed to symbolise an awkward transition, with older players Lukaku and De Bruyne flanked by a younger generation still searching for the right formula.

3) Iran’s low block was masterful and disciplined

Amir Ghalenoei’s gameplan against stronger opponents might have been simple on paper, but it was brutally difficult to execute. Yet, his players did so to near perfection. Iran sat back in a tight, low block, daring Belgium to break through. Sometimes, six or seven defenders crowded into the eighteen-yard box, throwing themselves in front of crosses, shots and loose balls without a hint of fatigue.

Most impressive was their organisation past the first contact, with cover arriving constantly for the second and third blocks. To play this way in defence for 90 minutes takes extraordinary concentration and courage. Iran’s backline barely flinched, and they fully deserved the clean sheet they battled so hard to defend.

2) Nathan Ngoy’s red card turned the FIFA World Cup clash upside down

The defining flashpoint of the match came just past the hour mark, and it was an unhappy one for Nathan Ngoy. Under pressure from Taremi, the young defender lost control, and the striker darted in to sprint clear. With no covering teammate in sight, Taremi was brought down by Ngoy, and referee Dario Herrera had little option but to show a straight red card.

Belgium had been in control of a game that was blown wide open in a flash. And from then on, the roles were totally reversed, Belgium dropping deep and Iran pushing for a famous winner. It was a hard lesson for a promising young player in Ngoy, but one he will learn plenty from, no doubt.

1) Subpar, blunt finishing from Belgium

It might have been a FIFA World Cup masterclass from Iran’s defence, but Belgium should have found ways to overpower them. Kevin De Bruyne toiled to break down Iran, roaming across the pitch, looking for the gaps that rarely appeared. The playmaker provided the inviting passes, but his team-mates failed to provide the rewarding finish.

Belgium’s 23 shots resulted in 1.82 expected goals throughout the match. The cutting edge was blunt, with De Cuyper, Lukaku and Tielemans all missing presentable openings. There is no denying the quality this side has in possession, but dominating the ball will continue to count for very little in the FIFA World Cup until Belgium rediscover their ruthlessness.