0-0: Courtois, key for Belgium to secure a point against Iran
The madridista goalkeeper's interventions were decisive in his team's draw, which played the last half hour with ten men.
Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in the draw between Belgium and Iran. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, who equaled Scifo as the Belgian player with the most World Cup appearances (17), kept a clean sheet with outstanding saves that prevented his team from losing.
The match in Los Angeles started evenly, and Courtois prevented a 1-0 deficit in the 13th minute with a spectacular save from a low shot by Kanani. Despite both teams' chances, the first half ended 0-0.
After the restart, Courtois made another great save from a powerful volley by Taremi. In the 66th minute, Ngoy was sent off, leaving Belgium with ten men, but despite the numerical disadvantage, they held on for the draw and secured a point, keeping their qualification hopes alive heading into the final matchday against New Zealand (Saturday 27, 5:00 am).