New Zealand found a new World Cup goal-scoring hero as Eli Just struck twice in a gripping 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles, giving the All Whites a valuable point in their opening match.
Just scored in each half at SoFi Stadium as the All Whites made a lively return to football’s biggest stage after 16 years away.
The Motherwell midfielder became the first New Zealand player to score twice in a World Cup match, with captain Chris Wood helping create both goals.
His double helped New Zealand draw with an Iran side ranked 65 places above them and move level at the top of Group G after all four teams had played once.
The All Whites stunned Iran in the seventh minute when Wood’s work in attack created space for Just, who finished sharply to give New Zealand an early lead.
Iran responded strongly and levelled in the 32nd minute through defender Ramin Rezaeian.
The match went to halftime at 1-1, with New Zealand still firmly in the contest against one of Asia’s strongest sides.
The All Whites struck again in the 55th minute as Wood and Just combined for a second time.
Just’s composed finish put New Zealand back in front and gave supporters watching from Wellington and across the country hope of a famous World Cup win.
Iran hit back nine minutes later when Mohammad Mohebbi met a cross into the box and found the net to make it 2-2.
Goalkeeper Max Crocombe needed treatment in the second half but was able to continue, while the All Whites defence was forced to absorb long spells of Iranian pressure.
Wellington Phoenix midfielder Sarpreet Singh started for New Zealand and was withdrawn in the 90th minute as coach Darren Bazeley looked to manage a tense finish.
The All Whites held firm to secure their fourth consecutive draw at a World Cup, following three draws at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
For Wellington football fans, the result offered a dramatic start to New Zealand’s campaign and another reminder of the depth of talent connected to the capital’s football scene.
The match also answered one of the biggest questions around the All Whites heading into the tournament: where the goals would come from.
Just’s double, in his first World Cup appearance, gave New Zealand a cutting edge and eased some of the scoring burden on Wood.
The All Whites were without midfielder Matt Garbett, whose injury on the eve of the match forced a late change to Bazeley’s plans.
Auckland FC midfielder Logan Rogerson will join the squad for the rest of the tournament as Garbett’s replacement.
New Zealand’s next Group G match is against Egypt in Vancouver on Monday, June 22.
Egypt opened its campaign with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, leaving the group finely balanced after the first round of matches.
