Rezaeian and Mohebi Earn Iran 2-2 Draw Against New Zealand
Photo: REUTERS
Iran’s participation in the World Cup was shrouded in uncertainty from the very beginning. Following numerous boycott threats, Iran finally took to the field on US soil.
In their Group G encounter against New Zealand in Los Angeles, the Asian nation secured a 2-2 draw despite falling behind twice.
The match between the countries took place in Los Angeles.
Iran played disorganised football early and fell behind in the 7th minute, when Elijah Just put New Zealand ahead from a Chris Wood pass. Iran’s deficit was short-lived. In the 32nd minute, Ramin Rezaeian scored a goal from a Shahriyar Moghanlou assist, levelling the match at 1-1 by half-time.
New Zealand regained the lead at the start of the second half. In the 55th minute, Just grabbed his second goal to make it 2-1. But Iran responded immediately - Mohammad Mohebi headed home in the 56th minute to restore parity.
Ultimately, neither side could find a winner, and the match ended 2-2.
