News Focus
- Iran recover from two goals down to earn 2-2 draw in Group G opener in Los Angeles
- Captain Mehdi Taremi hits out at ‘disaster’ tournament preparations and chaotic build-up
- Eli Just scores twice for New Zealand but All Whites denied historic first win
- Political protests overshadow match as Iranian-Americans demonstrate outside stadium
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino visits Iran dressing room to hear player concerns
Iran battled back from two goals behind to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their World Cup opener. The match took place in Los Angeles amid heavy political tension and organisational chaos that threatened to derail the Iranian side’s preparations.
Captain Mehdi Taremi did not hide his anger after the final whistle. He described Iran’s tournament experience as a “disaster” and revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room to discuss the team’s concerns. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei went further, calling his squad the “most oppressed” team at the competition after officials forced them to return to their base in Mexico immediately following the match.
The Iranian team faced severe disruption before kick-off. Eleven officials were refused entry to the United States, forcing the squad to relocate their training camp from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico. They arrived in Los Angeles with minimal staff and limited preparation time.
On the pitch, New Zealand struck first when Eli Just controlled a long ball from goalkeeper Max Crocombe and smashed home after linking up with Chris Wood. The Motherwell striker doubled his tally early in the second half with a delicate chip over Iranian keeper Alireza Beiranvand.
However, Iran refused to accept defeat. Veteran defender Ramin Rezaeian, 36, pulled one back by ghosting past the defence to score. Mohammad Mohebi then headed in the equaliser via the post to rescue a point.
The occasion was marked by protests from sections of the Iranian-American community in Los Angeles. Demonstrators gathered outside the stadium waving pre-revolutionary flags and calling for political change. Inside the ground, however, Iranian supporters created a positive atmosphere that captain Taremi admitted had been missing in recent weeks.
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley expressed disappointment at letting victory slip. “We were so close to making history,” he said. “We have maybe surprised a few people with our quality.”
Iran must now regroup quickly before facing Belgium in their next Group G fixture on Sunday.