Iran 2-2 New Zealand: Elijah Just brace denied as Iran fight back twice in World Cup thriller
Elijah Just scored a historic double on New Zealand’s World Cup return, but goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi earned Iran a dramatic 2-2 draw in Los Angeles.
Iran twice fought back from behind to deny New Zealand a historic victory in a breathless, politically charged 2-2 World Cup draw at the Los Angeles Stadium.
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Against the backdrop of pre-match anti-government protests outside the venue and a highly vocal crowd inside, it was the All Whites who made a dream start to their first World Cup appearance in 16 years. Nottingham Forest target man Chris Wood showed superb strength to hold off the Iranian defence before feeding Elijah Just, who rifled a superb volley past Alireza Beiranvand after just seven minutes.
Team Melli responded furiously to the early setback. Former Inter Milan forward Mehdi Taremi came agonisingly close to an equaliser when his curling long-range effort rattled the post, before New Zealand keeper Max Crocombe breathed a sigh of relief when a lobbed effort sailed just wide after he was tackled outside his box.
The pressure eventually told in the 32nd minute. Saman Ghoddos picked out Shahriyar Moghanlou inside the area, and though his shot on the turn was blocked by Finn Surman, wingback Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest to poke home the rebound from close range.
Darren Bazeley’s side refused to be cowed by the world’s 20th-ranked nation and retook the lead nine minutes into the second half. Liberato Cacace intercepted a loose pass on the halfway line to spark a devastating counter-attack, allowing Just to play a slick one-two with Wood before calmly lifting a clinical finish over the onrushing Beiranvand.
Yet New Zealand’s defensive frailties were exposed once more just ten minutes later. The impressive Rezaeian turned provider, delivering an exquisite cross from the right flank which was met by a thumping, glancing header from Mohammad Mohebbi that kissed the inside of the post on its way into the net.
Iran dominated the final half-hour as they searched for a winner, forcing Crocombe into several crucial saves, but the Oceania representatives held firm under intense pressure. The result leaves Group G completely deadlocked on opening day following Belgium and Egypt’s 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for ahead of Sunday’s second round of fixtures..
