Iran coach Ghalenoei warns Belgium ahead of World Cup clash

Belgium opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Egypt on Monday. Next up: Iran. How should the Red Devils approach their Group E rivals? We spoke to an insider in the Iranian camp for their assessment. “We can excel unexpectedly against strong opponents.” The 2-2 draw against New Zealand drew mixed reactions in Iran. “I had predicted a draw myself. Are we satisfied? No. We missed a chance to open up a small gap.” The insider was asked about Belgium’s opening match. “It’s the first game at a major tournament. Drawing conclusions from it would be wrong. We’ll need to be technically better to collect something against you.” Iran’s squad includes several players with Belgian ties. “We don’t know Eckert Ayensa well—he hasn’t played a minute for us yet. Many people don’t know him.” “Watch Mehdi Ghayedi. He could have a major impact at this World Cup. But above all, beware of Mehdi Taremi. He played for Inter Milan and Porto and now plays for Olympiacos. He has exceptional qualities.” Taremi recently raised concerns about the safety of Iranian players in the United States. “We are taking this seriously. Taremi criticised America for some players not receiving visas. It’s not illogical that we worry about these things.”

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The ongoing conflict with the United States has affected the national team. “It has a serious impact. They must stay in Mexico and travel a lot. Yet they aim to reach the knockout stage—something never achieved before. If they qualify, it would bring joy to Iran.” Current coach Amir Ghalenoei is highly experienced. “He has won five titles in our league and was named Asian Coach of the Year multiple times. Ghalenoei can set up a strong defensive block.” The insider stressed the high expectations in Iran. “Have you seen how many fans were at the stadium against New Zealand? Football is alive here. The match was widely watched, even under challenging circumstances.” Asked if Iran is outmatched by Belgium, the insider replied: “You are a top nation with elite players. But Iranian football is known for inconsistency. We can excel unexpectedly against strong opponents.”

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The insider recalled past upsets. “We beat Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and Wales four years ago. Even if opponents aren’t as strong as Belgium, we’ve struggled against weaker teams too.” “If I were Belgium, I wouldn’t underestimate us. That could have serious consequences. The past has shown that often enough.” On tactics, the insider expects caution. “I suspect we’ll start carefully and counterattack. But football is unpredictable—it always is.”