Twice behind, Iran snatch the draw against New Zealand

New Zealand led twice thanks to an Elijah Just brace, but Iran responded each time, through Rezaeian and then Mohebbi, in a crazy match in Los Angeles. 2-2.

Probably the most eventful match of the tournament so far. In Los Angeles, in an electric atmosphere, Iran and New Zealand traded blow for blow before parting ways on a spectacular 2-2. Twice behind following a brace fromElijah Just, the Iranians snatched a point, carried by a dazzling Ramin Rezaeian . Both nations thus launch their World Cup with a share of the spoils, and remain in contention in a wholly unpredictable Group G.

Four goals, two comebacks, a crazy script

New Zealand struck first. As early as the 7th minute, off a superb pass from their captain Chris Wood, Elijah Just tucked the ball in under the bar. Iran reacted: after a Mehdi Taremi shot off the post, Ramin Rezaeian equalised in the 32nd by pouncing on a loose ball in the box.

The script repeated itself in the second half. In the 54th,Wood again sent Just through, and he restored the All Whites' lead. But Iran never gave up: ten minutes later, Mohammad Mohebbi headed home a perfect cross from Rezaeian, again, to beat Max Crocombe. The closing stages were breathless, with New Zealand even thinking they had won it on a Wood header that flashed just wide.

Team Melli against the All Whites

On one side, Iran: Team Melli, 7th World Cup, still chasing a first round of 16, led by Mehdi Taremi. On the other, New Zealand: the All Whites, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, back at the World Cup for their 3rd appearance and still without a single victory at this level.

Two points shared, two missed opportunities

The match was of rare intensity and broadly balanced: Iran had slightly more shots, 17 to 14, and were on target less often, 4 to 8, than a New Zealand side sharper in front of goal. In the end, both teams will have regrets, New Zealand for leading twice without seeing it through, Iran for failing to take the lead. Mehdi Taremi's injury withdrawal is, moreover, a source of concern for Team Melli.

A wholly unpredictable Group G

As in Group H, the four teams in Group G finish the day level on a point: Belgium and Egypt cancelled each other out 1-1 earlier in Seattle. Everything remains open. Matchday 2 will pit Belgium against Iran and Egypt against New Zealand, two fixtures where the slightest victory would carry serious weight.

Iran leave with a point and the satisfaction of having been able to respond; New Zealand, with a point and the regret of having led twice without seeing it through. In a Group G where the four teams are tightly packed, this spectacular 2-2 could carry serious weight.