Beiranvand stonewalls Belgium as Iran grab vital Group G point

Iran hold Belgium to a 0–0 draw, Beiranvand the hero

Your team walked off with a point. Iran 0–0 Belgium on Sunday in Group G, and it was built on Alireza Beiranvand's gloves (1) (2) (4). Seven saves, all from inside the box, 1.7 goals prevented, and a Player of the Match award that needed no debate.

Belgium had Kevin de Bruyne. They had the names. They had nothing else. Belgian outlets tore into their own team afterwards. "What are we even doing here?" one headline asked (4) (6).

The point gives Iran a real shot heading into the final group match.

Zlatan fell asleep watching it

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on punditry duty and did not hide his boredom. "If they think they'll qualify because of the names on their shirts, they're mistaken," he said of Belgium (2).

He was not alone. Belgian analysts described the performance as a new low for the golden generation that never was (5) (6) (12). Their coach Rudi Garcia is now under direct threat, with one outlet running the headline: "Win the next one or you're no longer head coach" (5).

Egyptian and Iranian fans clash with security

The political backdrop did not stay in the stands. Iranian fans booed their own team during the match against Belgium, and US security personnel intervened inside the stadium (9). The protests mirror the tensions that followed the squad into the tournament, with diaspora groups voicing dissent in the host nation.

Egypt make history, the group swings wide open

Mo Salah delivered. Egypt beat New Zealand to secure their first World Cup win ever, a result that reshapes Group G completely (3) (8) (10) (11).

The table now: Belgium must beat New Zealand and score heavily, while hoping Egypt stumble against Iran on the final matchday (10). Iran control their own destiny. A win over Egypt and you are through, no favours needed.

Cape Verde stun Uruguay

Away from Group G, Cape Verde drew 2–2 with Uruguay in another result that turned heads overnight (7) (8).

Fan reactions

The Reddit threads after the match were split between awe at Beiranvand's performance and the surreal geopolitics of the tournament. One deadpan post asked whether Shia or Sunni-majority Middle Eastern countries had earned more World Cup points so far, summing up the strange mood around Iran's campaign. Beiranvand was the main event.