Just Brace Denied as Iran Twice Fight Back to Draw with New Zealand

IR Iran and New Zealand drew 2–2 at Los Angeles Stadium in a topsy-turvy Group G opener. Elijah Just volleyed New Zealand ahead in the seventh minute and restored their lead in the 54th minute with Chris Wood providing both assists, but Ramin Rezaeian equalised before half-time and Mohammad Mohebbi headed in off the post in the 64th minute after Rezaeian's cross.

Rezaeian was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after scoring and assisting in front of 70,108 fans. Iran finished with 48% possession, 17 shots and four on target to New Zealand's 14 and eight as Ehsan Haji Safi was booked late on, leaving all four Group G teams level on one point after matchday one.

New Zealand's wait for a first World Cup win continues as they prepare to face Egypt in Vancouver on 21 June. Iran meet Belgium in Los Angeles on the same day with the group finely poised after four draws across Monday's fixtures.