In a match that will be remembered by Iran, goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered a stunning save to deny Belgium a crucial goal as the teams played to a draw. Just before the hour mark, amid frantic action, Beiranvand sprang into action, defying the odds after appearing to be out of the play. As Belgium’s Maxim De Cuyper prepared to score, Beiranvand, scrambling on the ground, extended his left hand to block the shot and secure the ball, leaving spectators in awe.
With a growing reputation for extraordinary goalkeeping, Beiranvand’s performance may enhance his status among fans. He is already known for saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2018 World Cup. At 33, he is considered relatively young compared to other goalkeepers making headlines, perhaps suggesting a bright future ahead.
Iran’s determination has been evident despite challenges posed by FIFA and the U.S., and they have managed to secure respectable draws in both of their matches played in Los Angeles. Belgium, however, finds itself struggling, facing pressure ahead of their essential Group G match against New Zealand. Rudi Garcia, their head coach, acknowledged the stakes: “Sometimes when you have to win, sometimes that’s the best situation,” he remarked. “Obviously we had wished to start better. But, just like cyclists, we have to keep pedalling on and on and show we deserve to move on to the round of 32.”
The Belgian squad faced a setback midway through the second half when Nathan Ngoy was sent off for a foul on Mehdi Taremi, prompting immediate scrutiny of their disappointing performance. Belgium’s record in major tournaments has been lackluster, with only two wins in their last nine outings, including just one victory in their past six games against Romania in Euro 2024. Despite 38 shots in their opening two matches in the U.S., they have yet to score a goal, with their only point coming from an own goal by Egypt’s Mohamed Hany.
Kevin De Bruyne showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly when he skillfully controlled a lifted pass from Leandro Trossard. However, Beiranvand was determined to intervene, preventing De Bruyne’s delivery from reaching Lukaku, who now stands as Belgium’s third-most capped player. Beiranvand’s performance was pivotal, as he again denied De Cuyper, leaving the forward in disbelief.
“Beiranvand is one of our greatest goalkeepers in the history of Iranian football,” said Amir Ghalenoei, Iran’s head coach. “He is extremely experienced, intelligent and he had one of his best days. He had the right concentration and he gave us one very valuable point – even though we could have had three points.”
Iran’s last visit to this stadium was marred by controversy, as they were told to leave and return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with the team to address their concerns, even humorously suggesting he could play up front against Belgium if necessary. Ultimately, it was Belgium who struggled to find their rhythm in attack.
Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves, including stopping a long-range effort from Hossein Kanaanizadegan. Midway through the first half, Taremi scored a goal reminiscent of Wout Weghorst’s famous strike against Argentina, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR review revealed the infringement. The slow-motion replay showed the ball just beyond Courtois’s reach.
Courtois’s instincts were on display again as he thwarted another attempt from Taremi following an Iran long throw. Meanwhile, Beiranvand continued to shine, especially when he deflected a close-range shot from De Cuyper after an impressive defensive play by Ali Nemati. Despite Belgium’s dominance in terms of shots—15 to four—the game shifted when Ngoy’s foul led to his dismissal, giving Iran a numerical advantage.
Belgium, visibly shaken, struggled to maintain composure. De Bruyne’s misplaced pass allowed Saeid Ezatolahi to unleash a powerful shot at Courtois. Beiranvand remained vigilant and, as stoppage time approached, he was ready to respond to yet another effort from De Cuyper. Ghalenoei reflected on the grueling conditions, stating, “Sixteen hours [to prepare in LA], two flights and a heavy game, I don’t think any team in the world could sustain such conditions and play like this,”
