Iran battle back twice to earn point against New Zealand in thriller

Despite being considered huge underdogs, much like in 2010, and ranked lowest in this World Cup edition, New Zealand made a sensational start by taking the lead within seven minutes. Chris Wood brilliantly controlled a long ball upfield, passing to Sarpreet Singh, who then set up Elijah Just.

After a swift one-two again with Wood, the Motherwell forward flicked the ball up and smashed home an unstoppable volley from just inside the area, sending the All Whites and their supporters into ecstatic celebration.

Looking to spark an equaliser, Mehdi Taremi was denied by the woodwork midway through the first half after charging at the New Zealand defence from the halfway line. His strike from just outside the 18-yard box cannoned back off the right post.

Iran finally levelled on 32 minutes when Ramin Rezaeian tapped home the loose ball in the box after Shahriyar Moghanlou’s initial effort was blocked, as New Zealand failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last seven World Cup matches.

Iran thought they had completed the comeback in first-half stoppage time when Ali Nemati headed in from a free kick into the box, but his joy was brief as the offside flag was quickly raised, bringing an entertaining first 45 minutes to a close.

Resuming where they left off before the break, Iran continued to threaten with two early chances in the second half. Mehdi Ghayedi, introduced at the restart, had an effort blocked on the edge of the box before Shahriyar Moghanlou fired high and wide.

However, in similar circumstances to the first half, New Zealand weathered the early pressure and hit their opponents with a surprise attack, restoring their lead on 54 minutes. Again linking up with Wood, this time Just drove towards the Iranian 18-yard box, played another one-two with the Nottingham Forest striker, and then fired past Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran’s last eight World Cup goals before today had all come after the break, and Amir Ghalenoei’s side continued the trend of second-half goals, drawing level once again 10 minutes later. The All Whites defence was caught napping as Mohammad Mohebi found himself unmarked in the box to head home from Rezaeian’s cross.

The two teams could not be separated in a blockbuster encounter in Los Angeles, with New Zealand left feeling frustrated after twice surrendering their lead. They remain without a World Cup victory in seven attempts (four draws, three losses) as they face Egypt next.

Iran, meanwhile, showed resilience to twice come from behind but face a stern test against Belgium next, as they aim to progress from the group stage for the first time in their seventh World Cup finals appearance.