Iran twice came from behind to claim a draw in their World Cup opener with New Zealand, as the focus finally shifted to football after weeks of unprecedented buildup. During 101 minutes of action in Los Angeles, Iran's captain Mehdi Taremi described their World Cup as a 'disaster', explaining how FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited their dressing room to hear concerns. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei labelled them the 'most oppressed' team at the tournament after being forced to return to Mexico post-match.
Match Highlights
Goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian cancelled out a smart double from Eli Just. The partisan crowd provided joy that Taremi admitted had been missing in recent weeks. With the Hollywood hills visible from the stadium, Iran seemed unburdened by political baggage.
Iran made a fast start but trailed on seven minutes when Just linked with Chris Wood, juggled the ball in the box and fired past Alireza Beiranvand. Iran levelled when Rezaeian poked in after a fine move. Just scored his second 10 minutes into the second half, but Mohebi headed in the equaliser.
Political Context
This was arguably the most politically charged sporting event in history. Eleven Iran officials were refused entry, forcing the team to switch base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Protests occurred outside the hotel and stadium, with some carrying pre-revolutionary flags despite a FIFA ban. Iran's sports minister had said players would abandon the match if they heard 'political slogans'.
Inside the stadium, support for Iran was overwhelmingly positive. Unlike in their opening game in Qatar four years ago, Iran sang the national anthem. Iran, all in white against the All Whites, focused on football despite the surrounding chaos.
Post-Match Reactions
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley said: 'We were so close to making history. We've maybe taken a few people by surprise. We're disappointed to come away with that sense of what if?'
Iran now face Belgium on Sunday in their second Group G match.
