LOS ANGELES: Iran staged two comebacks to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match of the FIFA World Cup on Monday in an entertaining contest at a packed Los Angeles stadium.
New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead in the seventh minute when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being set up by captain Chris Wood.
Iran responded positively and found a deserved equaliser in the 32nd minute. Defender Ramin Rezaeian capitalised on a loose ball inside the box and finished from close range, sparking celebrations among the large contingent of Iranian supporters in attendance.
The Oceania side regained the advantage nine minutes after the break. Just scored his second goal of the match, delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand following another well-crafted move involving Wood.
However, Iran refused to give up and levelled the score once again in the 64th minute. Mohammad Mohebbi glanced a header into the net at the far post to ensure the points were shared.
The match was attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and was played amid demonstrations by some Iranian fans expressing opposition to the government in Tehran.
While a number of supporters displayed protest symbols, others urged fans to focus solely on football and support Team Melli.
Iran will next face Belgium, while New Zealand take on Egypt in the second round of Group G fixtures on Sunday.
