Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a string of impressive saves to keep alive Iran’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, as they held 10-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles. But the result was overshadowed by a disgusting racist outburst from a Serbian television pundit aimed at Belgium’s black players.
Belgium, who also drew their opening Group G match against Egypt, now face the prospect of elimination at the earliest stage. Their chances in this match were harmed when defender Nathan Ngoy, earning just his sixth cap, was sent off in the 66th minute for a last-man foul.
“Racist comments by Serbian pundit Rade Bogdanović mar Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran in World Cup.”
After the final whistle, viewers on Serbian national broadcaster RTS were subjected to the vile opinion of former player Rade Bogdanović, who played for Atletico Madrid, Werder Bremen and Yugoslavia. "At this level, to be the last defender, to miss a ball that is standing still and then get sent off... I’ve always said these players, and I’m not racist, but black players don’t have the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes," Bogdanović said.
When challenged by the presenter, the 56-year-old added: "If we wanted to go into details, we could. They make mistakes too. Of course I’m not generalising, but the majority lack concentration and then situations like this happen."
Bogdanović was much more positive about Iran, who picked up their second successive point following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. "Iran is already a winner, the age of the team, the experience, the conditions under which they play," he said. "I did not see that they were covered by the media, nor did the fans have the conditions to cheer for them. I would like from the bottom of my heart for them to beat Egypt and for Egypt to win tonight. I support them."
Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 and go top of Group G, with Mohamed Salah netting the crucial second goal to earn their first ever victory at a World Cup in their fourth appearance.