Iran produced another resilient World Cup performance to hold Belgium to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Los Angeles, leaving Group G wide open heading into the final round of matches.

On a night dominated by experienced veterans, it was goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand who emerged as the hero, delivering a string of spectacular saves to deny the Red Devils and earn Iran a valuable point.

Experience Takes Center Stage

Before kickoff, much of the attention focused on two remarkable team selections.

Belgium welcomed back Romelu Lukaku for his first start for club or country in more than a year, a milestone appearance that saw the veteran striker become one of the most-capped players in Belgian football history.

Across the pitch, Iran made history of their own.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei named the oldest starting lineup recorded at a World Cup since official tracking began in 1966, with an average age of over 32 years.

Yet despite concerns about mobility and energy, Iran's experienced squad showed exactly why experience still matters on football's biggest stage.

Belgium Dominate, Iran Threaten

The Red Devils controlled possession from the opening whistle and spent long stretches camped inside Iran's half.

Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Maxim De Cuyper repeatedly tested the Iranian defense, forcing Beiranvand into action on several occasions.

However, while Belgium had more of the ball, Iran looked dangerous whenever opportunities appeared.

Their best first-half moment arrived after a cleverly worked free-kick.

Ehsan Hajsafi disguised his intentions brilliantly before slipping a pass into Mehdi Taremi, who calmly finished into the bottom corner.

Iranian celebrations erupted.

But after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.

It was a warning Belgium failed to fully heed.

Goalkeepers Steal the Show

The match gradually evolved into a fascinating battle between attackers and goalkeepers.

At one end, Thibaut Courtois produced crucial saves to deny both Hossein Kanani and Taremi.

At the other, Beiranvand delivered one of the finest goalkeeping performances of the tournament so far.

Time and time again, the Iranian number one denied Belgium's attempts to break the deadlock.

His most impressive moment came shortly before the hour mark.

De Bruyne brilliantly controlled a dropping ball and squared it perfectly for De Cuyper inside the six-yard box.

The Belgian defender looked certain to score.

Somehow, Beiranvand reacted in time to make an extraordinary save.

It was one of several interventions that kept Iran alive.

Drama in the Closing Stages

The contest took another dramatic twist midway through the second half.

A misplaced backpass from Nathan Ngoy gifted Taremi a clear run on goal.

Realising the danger, the Belgian defender hauled down the Iranian striker before he could pull the trigger.

Referee Dario Herrera wasted no time reaching for a straight red card.

Suddenly, Iran had both momentum and a numerical advantage.

Yet despite pushing forward, they were unable to find the decisive breakthrough.

Belgium, reduced to ten men, held firm while Beiranvand continued his personal mission to keep a clean sheet intact.

Qualification Race Goes Down to the Wire

The final whistle confirmed another important result for Iran, who have now collected back-to-back draws despite facing significant challenges both on and off the pitch.

For Belgium, frustration continues to grow.

The absence of the injured Jérémy Doku was evident throughout the match, with the Red Devils lacking the pace and creativity needed to unlock Iran's disciplined defensive structure.

Their winless run at the tournament now stretches to four matches, raising serious questions ahead of a decisive final group-stage encounter.

Both teams sit on two points after two matches.

Belgium must now face New Zealand in Vancouver, while Iran prepare for a crucial showdown against Egypt in Seattle.

With qualification still hanging in the balance, neither side can afford another slip-up.

Beiranvand's Masterclass

While the result leaves plenty to discuss, one name stood above all others.

Alireza Beiranvand.

The Iranian goalkeeper turned away chance after chance, frustrated Belgium's stars and produced a performance worthy of the World Cup stage.

On a night when Belgium desperately needed a breakthrough, they simply could not find a way past him.

And thanks to his heroics, Iran's dream of reaching the knockout rounds remains very much alive.