Belgium draws Iran 0-0 and faces sharp criticism at the World Cup

Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran on Tuesday night in the second round of the World Cup, extending another disappointing run in major tournaments. The result was Belgium’s second draw of the tournament so far, and it triggered harsh criticism back home after what local media described as another frustrating performance.

In Nieuwsblad, the team was mocked with the line, “They never miss an opportunity to miss,” and the outlet said it was “another performance we will want to forget.” The same report singled out defender Nathan Angouy, who was sent off with what it called a reckless red card, saying he had “abandoned the team” and “should not play anymore.”

HLN was equally blunt, calling the draw a “hard result” and saying Belgium had “gotten themselves into trouble in a very easy group.” The paper added that people in Belgium do not understand how the same thing keeps happening at every tournament.

The reaction also reflected the sense that Belgium’s golden generation is nearing its end. Kevin De Bruyne is 34, Romelu Lukaku is 33, Thibaut Courtois is 34, and Eden Hazard has already retired. Belgians had hoped for a strong farewell for that historic group, helped by what they saw as a favorable draw, but the tournament has so far brought mainly disappointment.