Iran is twice behind in its explosive World Cup opener against New Zealand, but shows morale and gets a draw.
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 (1-1) at the start of the World Cup. Elijah Just scored the early 1-0 for New Zealand (7th minute), Ramin Rezaeian equalized (32nd). After the substitution, Just put his team in the lead again (55th). Nine minutes later, Mohammad Mohebi scored the final score.
“One point is okay for us. The game gives us a lot of positive things to build on,” said double goalscorer Just after the game. New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley was proud of the performance, but was a little sad about the missed victory: “We led twice, that hurts a bit. We had the chance to make history today.”
Explosive World Cup game
The Iranian team’s appearance in Los Angeles followed long discussions about the team’s arrival and entry, while the World Cup host USA is waging war against the World Cup participants. In front of the stadium there were protests by numerous Iranian supporters against the regime in Tehran. The largest Iranian community outside of Iran lives in southern California. Even before kick-off, many fans could be seen in the arena with the former Iranian national flag, which was used until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. It is considered a symbol of resistance. A court in Los Angeles had basically allowed the world association FIFA to ban the display of the flag in the stadium.
Just hits the ball under the crossbar
Then the ball rolled after referee Cesar Ramos from Mexico kicked off. And Iran found its way into the encounter well, appearing right in the opening minutes in the penalty area, dressed entirely in black.All Whites“. But New Zealand was unimpressed. Chris Wood initiated the first attack, got the ball again in the penalty area and fed Just, who shot uncompromisingly to take the lead from eight meters.
Sarpreet Singh, a former FC Bayern player, had the chance to score a second goal, but his shot failed completely (12′). Iran had problems getting back into the game and was certainly impressed. Wood tried his luck on the turn, but was blocked (15th). Then Iran again: Shahriar Moghanlou was served with a long ball, fell while running and demanded a penalty. But the contact wasn’t enough for referee Ramos. Coach Amir Ghalenoei’s team was now in better shape again: Mehdi Taremi flicked the ball onto the post from 17 meters after a counterattack (23′).
Iran with chances before the break
A wild scene continued after the drinking break: New Zealand keeper Max Crocombe misjudged the cross and then lost the ball to Mohammad Mohebi. The ball came to Saman Ghoddos, who missed the empty goal from 30 meters. Shortly afterwards, Rezaeian did better: The 36-year-old was there after a duel between Finn Surman and Shahriar Moghanlou and scored with the outside of his foot to equalize.
Both teams continued to look for the way forward. Shortly before the break there were still two opportunities for Iran: Moghanlou’s header with the back of his head landed on the goal net, Ali Nemati was two meters offside for the supposed opening goal before he headed it in (45th + 5th). The draw at the break was fair.
Just also scores after the substitution
Wood set the first scent mark in the second round. The Nottingham Forest attacker made a powerful effort 20 meters in front of the goal, but his shot went over the crossbar (47′). Then Iran showed up again: Moghanlou took a shot from the right side from a standing position – also over it (52′).
With a great combination, the “All Whites” took the lead again. Just played a one-two with Wood and gave Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand no chance from close range. Iran tried to respond directly, but after Mohebi’s header, Ghoddos was offside when he punted (57′). Seven minutes later the time had come: Rezaeian had plenty of space on the right to cross and fed Mohebi in the center, who headed in an exemplary manner to make it 2-2.
The game was now completely open. Iran had a slight visual advantage, but New Zealand also repeatedly appeared on the offensive: Singh crossed for substitute Ryan Thomas, who was blocked at the last moment (75′). The Iran team continued to be more active: Tahemi managed to head the ball under pressure, but didn’t get the shot on goal.
Shortly afterwards it was over for the captain, who was substituted with cramps. Three minutes before the final whistle, Saeid Ezatolahi placed his shot too centrally to beat Crocombe. In stoppage time, an Iran corner caused danger again, but the “All Whites” were able to clarify. So it remained a draw until the final whistle.
Outlook in Group G
Iran will continue against Belgium on Sunday (9 p.m. CEST) in Los Angeles, while New Zealand will face Egypt on Monday (3 a.m. CEST) in Vancouver.