The All Whites have earned a 2-2 draw against Iran in a pulsating game in Los Angeles to get their FIFA World Cup campaign underway with a crucial point.
The Kiwis led twice in the Group G clash thanks to an historic brace by Eli Just, but couldn’t hold on for the win as Iran managed to match the All Whites with two well-taken equalisers.
The 24-year-old kick-started New Zealand's campaign with a nice volley in the early stages against Iran. (Source: TVNZ)
The All Whites were in dreamland in the seventh minute when Just, who plays for Motherwell in Scotland, was able to combine with Chris Wood and Sarpreet Singh to fire the ball into the top right corner and put the Kiwis up 1-0.
Iran held on until the hydration break midway through the half, before they started to take control in search of an equaliser.
Wood had a great opportunity to double the All Whites’ lead as the ball fell kindly to him in the box, but a well-timed challenge took the ball off his foot as he went to strike it towards goal.
Just's second goal was the first time a New Zealand player has scored twice in a FIFA World Cup game. (Source: TVNZ)
Finn Surman did well to block a shot inside the penalty area, but Ramin Rezaeian was the first to react to the loose ball and delicately flicked the ball over Max Crocombe to bring Iran level in the 33rd minute.
The large contingent of Iranian supporters created a deafening noise every time Iran went on the attack.
Iran thought they had taken the lead just before halftime, after a free kick was headed home by Ali Nemati, but he timed his run too early and was noticeably offside.
Iran put plenty of pressure on the All Whites' defence early in the second half, with Surman and Michael Boxall defending well to hold them out.
Then came the second decisive moment for 26-year-old Just.
The ball found him inside the Iranian half, and he carried the ball forward with pace before finding the feet of Wood. The Kiwi striker was able to give it back to him on the right side of the box, and the young All White fired it across goal with his right foot past the covering Iranian defence for his second goal of the match, becoming the first Kiwi to score twice in a World Cup match.
"I'm just so happy. One was nice, and to do it twice is just amazing," he said afterwards.
Iran fired back 10 minutes later with Mohammad Mohebi allowed a free header in the box to turn the ball in off the post and level the score once again.
That proved to be the final goal of the match, with both sides creating a few half-chances late in the game. The All Whites finished the game with 14 shots and eight on target.
Strong performances from Singh and Marko Stamenic in midfield were crucial in helping the Kiwis earn a point in Los Angeles.
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.
"It hurt a little bit, because we had the chance to make history tonight.
"I said to them beforehand, somebody here's going to have a moment today that will live forever - Eli has had two."
Bazeley also spoke about the challenge ahead with matches against Egypt and Belgium, who drew 1-1 earlier today.
"We need to perform consistently for 90 minutes and clear up those moments defensively."
"We can compete with any of these teams," he said.
The All Whites should take confidence from this result into their next match against Egypt next Monday.
All Whites 2 (Just 7’, 54’) Iran 2 (Rezaeian 33’, Mohebi 64’) HT 1-1
Watch all matches at the World Cup with an event pass on TVNZ+ | All Whites games free-to-view on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+
SHARE ME