Belgium held 0-0 by Iran, Ngoy sent off

Belgium had to settle for a goalless draw with Iran in a disappointing affair Sunday that saw the Red Devils drop to 10 men and face the prospect of group-stage elimination for a second straight World Cup.

A star-studded but ageing roster featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku was lucky to get a draw out of Los Angeles, controlling possession but giving up the best opportunities of the match to a stubborn Iran side.

Iran’s Mehdi Taremi had the ball in the net from a well-worked first half free kick which was overruled for offside by VAR, while Nathan Ngoy was sent off after the break for taking down the striker following a horribly mis-hit back pass.

As a result all three Group G games so far have been draws. Belgium sit on two points but at least have the consolation of facing the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, New Zealand, in their final group match.

Iran too need at least a draw against Egypt next Friday. Team Melli have been troubled by visa complications on their travels from their base camp in Mexico to matches in the US and will be looking to focus on the football as travel restrictions are supposedly relaxed for their key journey to Seattle.

In the second straight Iran game, demonstrators from Los Angeles’ substantial Persian exile community held a rally outside the stadium to chant against the country’s hard-line regime.

Inside the stadium Iran’s song again brought a chorus of boos and whistles — a reception not in keeping with the reception to the players themselves who were heartily praised.

Iran sat deep in the first half, having switched to a back five, meaning Belgium were able to dominate possession and play hundreds of passes about their penalty area without producing any clear-cut opportunities.

Target man Lukaku had made an impact as a substitute in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egpyt and returned to the starting line-up but managed just a solitary headed effort in the 36th minute that soared over the bar.

Iran had the two finest chances of the half, both completely against the run of play. Thibaut Courtois did well to stop a low shot from Hossein Kanani after a long throw-in.

Iran’s renowned scorer Taremi had the ball in the net midway through the half from a brilliantly crafted free kick but it was ruled out for offside.

The ex-Inter Milan star spun off Belgium’s wall, swivelled and hammered the ball into the net, only for VAR to disallow the effort to the frustration of a vehemently pro-Iran crowd.

Belgium huffed and puffed after the interval and Taremi was close again at the opposite end. Courtois was good to deny Kanani’s flick-on from a long pass to the Iran striker.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made a quadruple replacement around the hour mark and his side immediately came near, Maxim De Cuyper’s point-blank shot from De Bruyne’s cut-back superbly saved.

Moments later substitute Hans Vanaken smashed a shot from a rebound way over the bar as the Red Devils finally started to knock on Iran’s door in earnest.

But tragedy struck for Belgium as Ngoy saw red. The centre-back had undercooked a ball back to Courtois and put his arm into Taremi as the striker charged through on goal.

It was an anxious, scrappy stalemate but De Cuyper went near again with a low attempt from just outside the box.