Ramin Rezaeian starred with a goal and an assist as Iran twice came from behind to earn a point in Los Angeles….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Iran twice came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an entertaining Group G encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles on Monday.
The match saw both sides enjoy periods of dominance, with New Zealand appearing on course for a historic first World Cup victory before Iran’s resilience earned them a share of the spoils.
Elijah Just starred for the All Whites with a brace, while veteran striker Chris Wood provided assists for both goals. Iran, however, responded on each occasion through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to ensure the points were shared.
New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead after Iran had threatened through Mehdi Taremi, whose early effort forced a save from goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Wood played a key role in the opening goal, setting up Just, who fired a powerful low shot past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to give New Zealand a deserved advantage.
The All Whites nearly doubled their lead soon after when Wood turned provider again, finding Sarpreet Singh, whose effort was kept out by Beiranvand.
Iran gradually grew into the contest and came close to levelling when Taremi struck the post from long range shortly before the first water break.
The pause appeared to revitalise Team Melli, who returned with greater intensity and found an equaliser soon afterwards. Rezaeian timed his run perfectly to break through New Zealand’s defence before calmly finishing past Crocombe with the outside of his boot.
The teams went into the break level at 1-1, but New Zealand regained the lead shortly after the restart.
Wood once again provided the assist, releasing Just behind the defence. The winger kept his composure and lifted the ball over the advancing Beiranvand to restore New Zealand’s advantage and claim his second goal of the match.
Iran’s response was swift. Rezaeian, who had already scored one goal, turned creator this time, delivering an inviting cross for Mohebbi, whose powerful header bounced in off the post to make it 2-2.
Both sides pushed for a winner during an open final period, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough.
New Zealand came closest in stoppage time when Wood rose to meet a cross, only to direct his header straight at Beiranvand.
The result leaves both teams with a point from their opening Group G fixture.
New Zealand will continue their search for a first-ever World Cup victory when they face Egypt on June 22, while Iran will turn their attention to a challenging clash against Belgium.
The draw also continued a remarkable trend on the day, becoming the fourth consecutive match to end level, following Cabo Verde’s surprise draw against Spain earlier in the tournament.
