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Iran played to a 0-0 draw against Belgium on June 21 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The result gives the team a chance to reach the knockout round for the first time in six World Cup appearances.
Nbc NewsIran played to a 0-0 draw against Belgium on June 21 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match marked Iran's second draw in as many games at the tournament. @NBCNews reported that joint U.S.
And Israel strikes in late February disrupted Iran's domestic soccer league and forced changes to its World Cup preparations. Iran's training base moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, and several warmup matches were canceled. Staff including the federation president and press officers were denied entry to the United States.
The team was permitted to arrive in Southern California only on Saturday. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said through an interpreter that the team arrived in the worst condition possible. He noted less than 16 hours of training before the match and called the two unbeaten games a historic achievement.
Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said the difficulties united the squad. Belgium entered the match ranked 10th in FIFA rankings, 12 places above Iran. Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves, including a one-handed stop while on the ground.
A potential Iranian goal in the 26th minute was disallowed for offside. Belgium played with 10 men after a red card in the 67th minute. Iran is scheduled to return to Mexico two hours after the match due to travel rules.
The team faces Egypt on Friday in Seattle with a chance to advance to the knockout stage.
Usa TodayArgentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Atlanta on June 22. Messi reached 18 career World Cup goals, surpassing the previous mark of 17 held by Marta.
nknews.orgSouth Korea faces South Africa on Wednesday with a win or draw enough to secure second place in Group A. Mexico already leads the group and has clinched the first knockout berth.
Los Angeles TimesLinda Cohn, who anchored more SportsCenter episodes than anyone in network history, will make her final appearance Friday. She joined the show in 1992 and later moved to Los Angeles to anchor its late-night edition.