Iran and New Zealand played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in a World Cup clash defined by clinical finishing and defensive vulnerability from both sides.
The match delivered immediate drama when New Zealand's Elijah Just struck in the seventh minute, giving the away side an early advantage. Just's composure in front of goal set the tone for what would become an entertaining offensive display from both teams throughout the 90 minutes.
Iran responded quickly to the early setback. Ramin Rezaeian leveled the match in the 32nd minute with a well-taken finish. The Iranian defender's goal showed clinical execution and gave the home crowd hope heading into the break.
New Zealand came out strong after halftime and regained the lead through Just in the 54th minute. The striker's second goal of the day extended his tally and appeared to put the visitors on course for victory at that stage.
However, Iran refused to surrender. Mohammad Mohebi equalized in the 64th minute, dragging his team level once more. The goal sparked intense pressure from the hosts, but New Zealand's defense held firm despite sustained Iranian attacks in the closing stages.
Just's two-goal performance earned him a match rating of 9.0, highlighting his clinical finishing when chances arrived. Rezaeian matched that standard with a 9.3 rating, providing both a goal and an assist while contributing three key passes throughout the encounter.
New Zealand dominated possession with 52 percent of the ball and created better opportunities overall. The away side registered eight shots on target compared to Iran's four, with an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.24. Iran managed 1.5 xG despite lower possession figures, showing they made their chances count when they came.
The defensive frailties on display concerned both camps. Iran conceded eight shots on target from 14 total attempts by New Zealand. The hosts managed only four shots on target despite 17 total attempts, indicating less precision in their finishing.
Rezaeian's all-around performance stood out beyond his goal contribution. The Iranian fullback made three tackles and created multiple chances for teammates, proving influential at both ends of the pitch. New Zealand's Chris Wood provided two assists despite not scoring himself, orchestrating play from midfield.
Neither side could find a winner despite late pressure. Ehsan Hajsafi received a yellow card in the 89th minute as tensions rose toward the final whistle. The draw leaves both teams with work to do in their World Cup campaigns.
This result reflects the competitive nature of modern international football, where quality teams can cancel each other out. Both Iran and New Zealand showed attacking intent but defensive limitations that could prove costly in knockout stages. The point apiece keeps both sides in contention for progression, though each will target victories in their remaining group matches.
