Belgium’s slow start to the World Cup continued as they toiled to a 0-0 draw against Iran in California.
The 2018 semi-finallists were left with 10 men for the last 25 minutes when defender Nathan Ngoy made a mess of a backpass and panicked, bringing down Mehdi Taremi.
That ensured a cagey conclusion and a second draw in a row for both sides – but even with 11 men Belgium failed to inspire.
In a stodgy opening period, Iran thought they had the lead when converting a clever free-kick.
Captain Ehsan Hajisafi lined up to shoot but instead played a clever pass around the wall to pick out Taremi, who turned to fire low past Thibaut Courtois.
It was a superbly-taken strike but after a lengthy check the goal was chalked off for offside.
Iran named the oldest starting XI in World Cup history, with an average age of over 32, but it was Belgium who looked jaded at times.
The Red Devils dominated possession in the first half, with 81%, but despite Kevin de Bruyne having a shot well blocked and some flurries of activity on the edge of the area they rarely troubled Alireza Beiranvand.
Left-back Maxim de Cuyper was played in sharply and saw a shot saved at the near post but Belgium overall were flat.
Iran threatened after the break with Courtois having to make another good save from Taremi before Belgium made changes.
De Bruyne then pulled the ball back superbly and De Cuyper should have scored but hit his shot straight at a prone Beiranvand.
Belgium were finally building some pressure but then went down to 10 men and needed Courtois once more to save a long-range strike from Saeid Ezatolahi.
De Cuyper went close again in the final few minutes but both sides had to settle for a draw which leaves all options open in the final round of games.
