Elijah Just's brace not enough as New Zealand held 2-2 by Iran in politically charged World Cup opener
Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand but Iran fought back to earn a 2-2 draw in a Group G opener at SoFi Stadium overshadowed by political tensions and visa disputes.
New Zealand's Elijah Just made history by becoming the first All White to score two goals in a World Cup match, but his brace was not enough to secure the nation's first-ever tournament win as Iran rallied to a 2-2 draw in Inglewood, California.
On the pitch
Just opened the scoring in the 7th minute, finishing off a move involving captain Chris Wood. Ramin Rezaeian levelled for Iran in the 32nd minute, reacting quickest in the box. Just restored New Zealand's lead in the 55th minute, again combining with Wood, but Mohammad Mohebbi headed in a pinpoint Rezaeian cross in the 64th minute to make it 2-2. The result leaves all four Group G teams level on one point after Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt earlier in the day.
That may be our best performance ever, or since I've been involved with the All Whites, which is a long time. We came here to win and today we were so close to making history.
A crowd divided
Over 70,000 fans attended the match at SoFi Stadium, many from Los Angeles's large Iranian diaspora. The atmosphere reflected deep political divisions. Some supporters booed Iran's national anthem and waved the pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flag, while others cheered the team's goals. For stretches, the emotions in the stands felt as central to the story as the football.
Walking out the adrenaline was really high. Once the game started you kind of calm down a little bit. We were quite good with the ball. We dealt with the occasion really well.
Visa and travel turmoil
Iran's participation has been profoundly affected by diplomatic tensions with the United States. The squad is based in Tijuana, Mexico, and commutes across the border for matches. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team was forced to leave the US immediately after the game, denying players recovery time. Winger Mehdi Torabi's US visa expired after the match because he was issued only a single-entry permit, unlike teammates who received multi-entry visas.
They didn't even give us time to recover after the game today. They said we had to leave immediately. Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.
FIFA's intervention
FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian dressing room after the match. Captain Mehdi Taremi said Infantino offered to help the team with their logistical problems. The Iranian football federation is working to obtain a new visa for Torabi ahead of Sunday's second group match against Belgium in Los Angeles. Iran then faces Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.
New Zealand's milestone near-miss
New Zealand, the lowest-ranked qualifier at 85th, remain winless after seven World Cup matches (four draws). Coach Bazeley said the performance showed the quality needed to break that duck. Just's two-goal display, assisted twice by Nottingham Forest striker Wood, announced the Motherwell winger on the global stage.
He showed the world how dangerous he can be. He's of slight build, but he gets into pockets, turns and reacts quick. I think a lot of people are probably watching that today and saying, 'He's a good player.'
