In a busy game, Iran and New Zealand are tied for the World Cup

In the match that ended the day of World Cup competition this Monday (15), Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2, in Los Angeles, in the first round of Group G.

Elijah Just, who plays in Scottish football, opened the scoring in favor of the New Zealanders. The Iranians equalized the game in the first half, thanks to Ramin Rezaeian's goal. Just put the All Whites ahead once again, but Mohammad Mohebi scored to level things at SoFi Stadium.

With an eye on a place in the knockout stages, the Iranian team returns to the field next Sunday (21), at 4pm (Brasília time), again in Los Angeles, to face Belgium. Favorite to finish at the top of the group, the European team only drew with Egypt, 1-1, in their debut.

New Zealand reached their fourth draw in World Cup history. The representative of Oceania will try for his first victory on the same date, but at 10pm, in Vancouver, against the Egyptians.

The game
At the six-minute mark, Iran arrived for the first time with full-back Aria Yousefi, who cut through the marking and hit goalkeeper Max Crocombe's hands. Soon after, center forward Chris Wood received the ball in front and passed it to winger Elijah Just, who shot firmly to put the New Zealanders ahead.

New Zealand had another opportunity in the 12th minute, where midfielder Sarpreet Singh invaded the area and finished wide. At 14, Wood was disarmed at the moment of the shot and missed a great chance to extend the advantage.

The Iranians responded in the 23rd minute. Center forward Mehdi Taremi took a free kick, took a risk from the edge of the area and hit the post. Next, winger Mohammad Mohebi disarmed the opposing goalkeeper with a tackle and the ball fell to midfielder Saman Ghoddos. He tried from afar and ended up missing his target.

Iran's attempts paid off and the Asian country equalized at the 32-minute mark. Center forward Shahriyar Moghanlou was called in and had his shot blocked by the defense. Full-back Ramin Rezaeian took advantage of the surplus and took it from Max Crocombe to equalize the match.

In stoppage time, the Iranian team had an opportunity on a throw-in in the area, which ended in Moghanlou heading out. The team scored with defender Ali Nemati, but the referee ruled the shot offside.

In the first minute of the second half, Wood took a long shot and missed the target. At six, Iran responded with a shot from outside the Moghanlou area, which also ended up far from the opponent's goal.

The All Whites scored their second goal of the game after nine minutes. In a beautiful armed counterattack, Just played with Wood, entered the area and shot hard to put the Oceania team in front.

However, New Zealand's advantage did not last long. At the 19-minute mark, Rezaeian crossed just enough for Mohebi to head firmly and equalize the dispute. In the remaining time, Iran had the ball most, but managed to create little against their rival. In stoppage time, Chris Wood attempted a header and was saved by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Final result: 2 to 2 in Los Angeles.

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Source: CNN