Twice Up, New Zealand's Leads on Iran Slip Away
- Andrew Earnest
- 42 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Credit Sky Sports
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a back-and-forth affair between Group G's two lowest-ranked sides, Iran twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, in what may have been the most entertaining match of the tournament's opening days.
New Zealand wasted little time announcing itself as more than a token Oceania representative. Motherwell winger Elijah Just put the All Whites ahead just seven minutes in, catching the Iranian backline still finding its footing. Iran, fresh off a near-flawless Asian qualifying campaign in which they dropped points just once, settled in and drew level just past the half-hour mark through a scrappy, well-earned goal. Ramin Rezaeian fed Saman Ghoddos, who tried to thread the ball to Shahriyar Moghanloo before New Zealand center back Michael Boxall got a foot in to break it up. The ball fell loose in the box, and Rezaeian, continuing his run, was first to it, tucking a finish into the far corner. The score was marked 1-1 at halftime.
New Zealand answered almost immediately after the restart. Just struck again in the 54th minute, his second of the night, to put the All Whites back in front and threatening to pull off the upset of the group's opening round. Iran needed a response and got one ten minutes later: Rezaeian whipped a cross into the box that Mohammad Mohebbi met with a header that clipped the inside of the post before crossing the line.
The final half hour produced chances at both ends without another goal, including a cynical late challenge from Iran substitute Ehsan Hajsafi to stop a Just counter-attack, earning a yellow card he accepted without complaint. By the final whistle, Iran had out-shot New Zealand 17-14 overall, though the All Whites were the sharper side in front of goal, putting eight shots on target to Iran's four, in a match where neither side managed much more than 45 percent of possession.
Both sides will leave Los Angeles with mixed feelings. Both sides earned a hard-fought point, but also a sense that three were there for the taking. With Iran and New Zealand both eyeing a real shot at the knockout rounds, neither can afford to feel too satisfied with a draw in what was arguably their most winnable match of the group.
Looking ahead: Group G reconvenes June 21 with Belgium-Iran (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles) and New Zealand-Egypt (BC Place, Vancouver), with all four teams level on a single point apiece.
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