LOS ANGELES, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran coach Amir Ghalehnoei called his team's goalless draw with Belgium in their second FIFA World Cup Group G match here on Sunday an exciting game.
"I think it was a very exciting game. Both teams deserved to win; both could have taken the three points," Ghalehnoei said at the post-game press conference.
"I want to extend my sincere thanks to every player, especially Ali Beiranvand," he noted.
Beiranvand, the 34-year-old Iranian goalkeeper, produced a brilliant performance against Belgium to keep a clean sheet. The match was marked by some terrific saves from Beiranvand, who was named player of the match.
"The game was very tough. After all, the Belgian team is one of the best in the world. They put incredible pressure on us, especially in the first half," said Beiranvand after the game.
"After they went down to ten men, Belgium sat back a bit more. They were looking to intercept a pass from us and were looking for our mistakes to launch a counterattack," he added.
Although Belgium dominated possession, Iran sat deep and showed impressive resilience through Beiranvand's saves and defensive blocks.
Defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute when he miscued a backpass and then pulled down Mehdi Taremi when the striker was through on goal.
"We could have won the game if we'd had more focus, but you all saw it - hats off to all the players who played today. They played with their hearts," Beiranvand noted.
In Group G, the third round kicks off simultaneously on June 26. Belgium faces New Zealand in Vancouver, Canada, while Iran plays Egypt in Seattle, the United States. ■
