Belgium and Iran headed into the halftime break locked at 0-0 after an intense and hard-fought opening 45 minutes in their FIFA World Cup Group G matchday 2 clash.
Despite Belgium dominating possession and creating the majority of the chances, Iran came closest to breaking the deadlock through star striker Mehdi Taremi. The forward thought he had handed his side a shock lead in the 27th minute when he found the back of the net, sparking celebrations among the Iranian players and supporters.
However, those celebrations were short-lived as a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside moments before the first hydration break, ensuring the score remained level.
Belgium controlled much of the first half, enjoying a staggering 81 percent possession and registering 11 shots compared to Iran’s two. Yet the Belgian side struggled to find a way past Iran’s disciplined defensive setup.
The contest was also marked by physical battles across the pitch. Romelu Lukaku received an early yellow card in the third minute for a foul, while Iran midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi was booked midway through the half.
With Belgium unable to convert their dominance into goals and Iran showing they can threaten on the counterattack, the match remains finely poised heading into the second half, with both nations still searching for the breakthrough that could prove decisive in their World Cup ambitions.
