Five Things We Learned From Belgium 0-0 Iran

Five Things We Learned From Belgium 0-0 Iran

Belgium and Iran played out a goalless draw in Los Angeles to make matters even tighter in Group G. Heroics from both goalkeepers meant that neither side could grab a winner. Belgium looked depleted towards the end, but Iran rose to the occasion.

Here's five things we learned from the game.

1. Anthems Are There To Be Sung

As Iran sung their national anthem before kicking off in Los Angeles, they were met with an array of boos from around the crowd. This isn't something that should be accepted. The World Cup is a celebratory tournament that brings people together and should solely concern what happens on the pitch.

Make no mistake, humanitarian issues cannot be ignored, and the World Cup is watched by millions, therefore raising them on a global stage makes sense in terms of raising awareness, but it may not truly reflect what it's all about.

Bringing the World Cup to the USA was always going to come with backlash in the political world. So far we've seen visa denials, commercial break controversy, and much more before we've even reached the end of the second round of fixtures.

Keep it to football, and you keep everyone happy.

2. Belgium Miss Doku

Jérémy Doku was a big talking point of the Belgium camp this week as the Manchester City winger left the team prematurely to witness the birth of his child. His return date for the Red Devils in unknown as of right now, but manager Rudi Garcia will be wanting it sooner rather than later.

Belgium lacked true quality on the flanks today with Trossard and Saelemaekers. While Trossard has been an excellent servant for his country in recent years, the drop in class is noticeable. Trossard may have been born in the wrong era when it comes to playing on the wing for Belgium, sandwiched between Eden Hazard and Jérémy Doku.

Saelemakers also resembles a drop-off in Garcia's side, with the AC Milan winger only ever registering two goals for his country.

If Belgium are to do anything this tournament, then they need Doku.

3. Emma Hayes Is Pure Class

Sitting in the punditry box for ITV, Emma Hayes has delivered invaluable tactical insight on a host of World Cup games so far, and will continue to do so until the end of the tournament. A legend of women's football, she won seven Women's Super League titles as manager of Chelsea FC women.

In today's game, Hayes went off script towards the end of her segment during the hydration break to deliver a touching message. Emma paid tribute to her late father on Father's Day, accrediting him to her success and stating he is the reason she has accomplished what she has in the game. She also displayed a powerful message, "She Will Change The World".

Women's football has surged in popularity over recent years, and it continues to do so. Emma Hayes is a huge reason for this, and we hope to see more of her vibrant personality in the punditry box for the remainder of the tournament.

4. Group G Just Got Tighter

After the first round of fixtures, all teams in Group G had exactly one point. After this game, Belgium and Iran now sit on two points. With New Zealand set to face Egypt tomorrow, things just got even spicier.

If New Zealand and Egypt draw, then we could see a chaotic final round of fixtures in the group. Even if one of the sides were to come out with a victory, that still leaves three teams with a chance of making it to the knockout rounds.

Grab the popcorn.

5. They're Just Not The Same

When looking at the Belgium squad today, we can't help but feel a bit sad.

Once a team boasting world-class players in all areas of the pitch, they're now a shadow of their former selves. Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku are the only ones left from the golden generation of the 2010s, but all three of them are in the twilights of their careers.

Once, the side were stacked on the wing with the likes of Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Yannick Carrasco, and Kevin Mirallas. The midfield had a younger De Bruyne playing alongside Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini. In defence, Vincent Kompany stood tall, with the club and country duo of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld playing alongside him. Romelu Lukaku still led the line in the golden era, but he had ample cover in Michy Batshuayi, and Mertens was capable of playing as a centre-forward.

When looking at the squad today, there isn't nearly the same amount of depth or quality in the side. Belgium used to have players who could make things happen from moments of individual brilliance, yet these days that's far from the case.

Belgium's golden generation, gone but not forgotten.