Iran 2–2 New Zealand: Mohebbi header rescues draw after Elijah Just double
Iran twice came from behind to deny New Zealand a first World Cup victory in an entertaining Group G opener at SoFi Stadium. Motherwell forward Elijah Just struck in each half — the first New Zealand player to score more than once in a World Cup match — but on both occasions Iran responded, levelling through Ramin Rezaeian before Mohammad Mohebbi's header secured the point.
New Zealand's Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was central to both of Just's goals, providing the assist for the 7th-minute opener and the strike that restored the lead at 54 minutes. Iran answered first through Rezaeian on 32 minutes, then completed the comeback on 64 minutes when Rezaeian turned provider, crossing for Mohebbi to head in off the post. The result left all four Group G sides level on one point after Belgium and Egypt also drew.
Key moments
- •Elijah Just scored twice (7', 54'), becoming the first New Zealand player to score more than once in a World Cup match.
- •Chris Wood assisted both of Just's goals.
- •Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran on 32 minutes, then assisted the second equaliser.
- •Mohammad Mohebbi headed in Rezaeian's cross on 64 minutes to make it 2-2.
- •The draw left all four Group G teams on one point after Matchday 1.
Timeline
Match facts
- SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
- 70,108 attendance
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- Referee: César Ramos (Mexico)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.