Belgium held by Iran in Los Angeles as Thibaut Courtois produced key saves

Belgium held by Iran in Los Angeles as Thibaut Courtois delivered important saves in a tense World Cup contest that left both teams on two points after two group matches.

The build-up had been dominated by experience on both sides. Romelu Lukaku made his first start for club or country since 9 June last year, a milestone that also saw the 33 year old striker become Belgium's third most capped player of all time.

Iran also made history before the first whistle. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei named the oldest starting line-up in a World Cup match since records began in 1966, with his side averaging 32 years and 181 days.

Despite that experience, Iran spent much of the opening half under pressure as Belgium took early control of possession. Kevin De Bruyne was heavily involved in the early exchanges, while Maxim De Cuyper tested Alireza Beiranvand after a deflected effort dropped kindly into his path.

Belgium looked sharper on the ball and pushed Iran deep into their own half, but they were almost punished from Iran's first serious attack in the 14th minute. Hossein Kanani struck powerfully towards goal, forcing Courtois into a fine low save to keep the game level.

The Red Devils continued to dominate territory, with Youri Tielemans also going close. His effort was turned around the near post by Beiranvand, who would later become one of Iran's most important players on the night.

Iran thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute after a clever free-kick routine. Ehsan Hajsafi shaped as though he would shoot from distance but instead slipped a smart pass into Mehdi Taremi, who finished calmly into the bottom corner.

Belgium were relieved when the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. It was a major warning for Domenico Tedesco's side, who were controlling the game but struggling to protect themselves against Iran's direct attacking moments.

Belgium responded by increasing the tempo again before half-time. De Cuyper continued to find space on the left and almost opened the scoring when he met a Tielemans pass on the volley, only for Beiranvand to stand firm once more.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Belgium had more of the ball, but Iran carried real danger whenever they broke forward. Courtois was called into action again when Taremi connected with a volley, and the Real Madrid goalkeeper reacted well to push the effort away.

Belgium's best chance arrived shortly before the hour mark. De Bruyne controlled a difficult ball brilliantly before setting up De Cuyper from close range. The left-back looked certain to score from six yards, but Beiranvand produced another excellent save to deny him.

Iran's discipline and patience kept them in the match, and their task appeared to become easier midway through the second half. Nathan Ngoy underhit a back pass and then brought down Taremi as the Iranian forward threatened to break clear.

Referee Dario Herrera showed Ngoy a straight red card, leaving Belgium to finish the match with ten men.

Iran had the numerical advantage, but they could not turn it into a winning goal. Belgium defended with more urgency after the red card, while Beiranvand still had to rescue his side late on when De Cuyper turned and fired towards goal for the fourth time in the match.

The final whistle left Iran celebrating a hard-earned point from a difficult contest, especially after spending long periods without the ball. Their second successive draw keeps them alive in the group and gives them a chance of reaching the round of 32.

For Belgium, the result will feel like another missed opportunity. The Red Devils controlled large parts of the game but lacked the cutting edge needed to turn possession into victory. They also missed the directness and pace of Jeremy Doku, whose absence was felt in the final third.

The draw extends Belgium's winless run at the World Cup finals to four matches, with three draws and one defeat in that period.

Both Belgium and Iran now have two points from two matches, meaning their final group fixtures could decide their qualification hopes. Belgium will face New Zealand in Vancouver, while Iran will meet Egypt in Seattle.

Belgium still have enough quality to progress, but after another frustrating night, they will need to find more conviction in attack if they are to avoid an early exit.