Iran has a real chance of making the World Cup Round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with 10-man Belgium on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Belgian fullback Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute for a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity when he fouled Iran forward Mehdi Tahremi. From there, Belgium made it clear that it was playing for the tie and took off forward Romelu Lukaku in favor of more defensive reinforcements.
The plan worked, as an Iran team that had been absorbing pressure for most of the game was suddenly put in the role of aggressor. And while Iran controlled the ball for most of the game following Ngoy's absence, it couldn't find the breakthrough goal.
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Both teams are now tied on two points after Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand to open its World Cup campaign and Belgium tied Egypt.
Iran has never made it out of the group stage in any of its previous six trips to the World Cup. But depending on how Sunday night's game between New Zealand and Egypt goes, a tie against the Kiwis could be enough to get out of the group.
