All Whites winger Eli Just said he was "so happy" to score twice in the All Whites' FIFA World Cup opener against Iran.
The game ended level at 2-2, with the teams sharing the points and puting them joint top of Group G.
Earlier in the group, Belgium and Egypt drew 1-all.
Just opened the scoring in the seventh minute, sending the ball into the net with a crisp volley. His second came in the 55th minute. Captain Chris Wood assisted in both goals.
The 24-year-old kick-started New Zealand's campaign with a nice volley in the early stages against Iran. (Source: TVNZ)
A win for New Zealand wasn't to be, however, with Iran finding an answer to each of the goals.
Following the game, Just said it was "really, really special" to have scored at a World Cup for New Zealand.
Just's second goal was the first time a New Zealand player has scored twice in a FIFA World Cup game. (Source: TVNZ)
"It's not something that I could have ever dreamt of.
"I'm just so happy. One was nice, and to do it twice is just amazing."
The Motherwell FC winger said securing a point was an "OK" result, and thought there were "a lot of positives that we can keep building on".
Looking forward, Just said the team know what they are up against when they face opponents Egypt and Belgium.
"We've got a lot of work to do."
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley said he was "extremely proud" of his players.
"We created loads of chances. I thought we were really, really good in possession, and defended pretty well for the majority."
He said the squad was "disappointed", however, having led the game twice, only for Iran to equalise both times.
"It hurt a little bit, because we had the chance to make history tonight."
On the two goals by Eli Just, Bazeley said: "I said to them beforehand, somebody here's going to have a moment today that will live forever - Eli has had two."
For the next two games against Belgium and Egypt, Bazeley said: "We need to perform consistently for 90 minutes, clear up those moments defensively.
"We can compete with any of these teams," he said.
The All Whites play again on Monday, July 22 at 1pm, followed by the huge challenge of Belgium at 3pm on Saturday, June 27. Both games will be aired live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1.
Watch all matches at the World Cup with an event pass on TVNZ+ | All Whites games free-to-view on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+
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