All Whites draw with Iran at FIFA World Cup
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
In a free-flowing contest the All Whites twice held the lead over Iran as the New Zealand side searched for its first win at a World Cup.
The score eventually finishing at 2-2.
In front of a boisterous and enthusiastic crowd in Los Angeles it was Motherwell forward Elijah Just who gave the All Whites the lead in the seventh minute after a smart interchange with Chris Wood who held the ball up brilliantly and flicked on to Just.
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The New Zealanders looked good until the first hydration break midway through the half. Afterwards the momentum shifted. Iran's star forward Mehdi Taremi had come close to finding an equaliser when he struck the post with an powerful drive from outside the box. They also put the ball in the net but had the goal ruled offside.
Iran then found a way to level when Ramin Rezaeian flicked the ball past Max Crocombe.
In the second half the All Whites took some time to settle before Just popped up once more to put his side back in front as he combined with Wood again and lofted the ball over Alireza Beiranvand in the 54th minute.
However Iran were back to restore parity when Mohammad Mohebbi met Rezaeian's cross and guided a header in off the inside of the post.
For New Zealand Wood and Just combined well and showed their class and were part of eight shots on target compared to Iran's four.
Jesse Randall came on late in the game and proved his pace is useful while Tyler Bindon was another useful substitute.
Every side in Group G has one point, with Belgium having drawn 1-1 with Egypt in their first match.
New Zealand has now scored six times in World Cup contests - Steve Sumner and Steve Woodin in 1982, Shane Smeltz and Winston Reid in 2010 and now Just twice..
New Zealand face Egypt in Vancouver on Monday
