Iran twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday in a frantic opening match of their World Cup campaign, a tournament appearance that has been heavily overshadowed by war, politics and protests, News.Az reports, citing AFP.
The Iranian team's participation at the Los Angeles Stadium had remained uncertain for months amid ongoing military tensions between Iran and the United States.
Once the focus finally shifted to football, Iran found themselves trailing twice against the tournament's lowest-ranked side. New Zealand striker Elijah Just scored both goals for the Kiwis, putting his team ahead on two occasions.
However, with a largely pro-Iran crowd inside the stadium drowning out planned demonstrations by anti-government protesters, goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi ensured Team Melli avoided an embarrassing defeat.
Iran arrived at the World Cup after overcoming numerous challenges, including delays and refusals in obtaining US visas and a last-minute relocation of their training camp to Mexico.
Outside the stadium, hundreds of demonstrators protesting Iran's ruling authorities gathered, arguing that the national team did not represent the Iranian people.
Inside the venue, many spectators displayed anti-government symbols despite FIFA regulations prohibiting political messages, while the Iranian national anthem was met with a mixture of cheers and boos.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei had said before the match that his players would not “pay attention to any of the hype.”
Nevertheless, his team was caught out early by a swift New Zealand counterattack orchestrated by veteran striker Chris Wood.
In the seventh minute, the Nottingham Forest forward collected a long pass, held off defenders and turned before releasing Elijah Just into space. After exchanging quick passes with Sarpreet Singh and Wood, Just met the return ball with a powerful volley that flew into the net.
Iran nearly equalized in the 23rd minute when star striker Mehdi Taremi struck a long-range effort that rebounded off the right post.
They came close again shortly afterward when goalkeeper Max Crocombe was dispossessed outside his penalty area, but the resulting lobbed attempt drifted wide of the open goal.
Iran eventually drew level in the 32nd minute through Rezaeian. The wingback reacted quickest to a rebound after Saman Ghoddos threaded a clever pass to Shahriyar Moghanlou, whose turning effort was blocked by Finn Surman.
Ali Nemati thought he had given Iran the lead in first-half stoppage time, but his header from a free kick was ruled out for offside.
New Zealand regained the advantage in the 55th minute. Just completed his brace after combining neatly with Wood in a crisp one-two move that followed Liberato Cacace's ball recovery near the halfway line.
Yet Iran responded once more nine minutes later. Mohebi rose highest to meet a superb cross from Rezaeian, directing a header that clipped the inside of the post before crossing the line.
Iran dominated much of the final half hour and pushed for a winning goal, but a combination of poor finishing and determined New Zealand defending denied them all three points.
The result deals a blow to Iran’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, although fellow Group G rivals Egypt and Belgium also played out a draw on Monday.
For New Zealand, meanwhile, the wait for a first-ever World Cup victory continues.
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