Iran battled back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, overcoming a series of challenges just to participate in the tournament.
Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi found the net for the Asian side, while Eli Just scored both goals for New Zealand’s All Whites.
Iran’s journey to the World Cup has been overshadowed by difficulties following the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.
The team had to relocate its training camp from the United States to Mexico due to visa complications, while 11 non-playing officials were reportedly denied entry into the US for the tournament.
Inside the stadium, “Lion and Sun” flags — a symbol associated with Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution — could be seen despite FIFA’s reported attempts to prohibit them.
Sections of the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles also booed the national anthem before kick-off, although the team still received strong support throughout the match.
Iran started brightly but fell behind in the seventh minute when Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood combined well with Eli Just, who volleyed past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Mehdi Taremi almost equalised after a brilliant solo run from inside his own half, only to see his effort strike the post.
Iran eventually drew level in the 32nd minute after New Zealand defender Finn Surman blocked Shahriyar Moghanloo’s attempt, with the loose ball falling kindly to Rezaeian, who finished from close range.
New Zealand restored their advantage 10 minutes into the second half as Just completed a slick attacking move to grab his second goal of the night.
However, Iran responded once again when Rezaeian delivered a cross from the right and Mohebbi powered a header in off the post to make it 2-2.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither side could find a decisive goal as the contest ended in a draw.
