Elijah Just: 'Skinny Kid' Lights up World Cup, Makes New Zealand History
Iran twice fought back to earn a 2-2 draw, with Eli Just scoring a brace for New Zealand before 70,108 fans at SoFi Stadium.
- On Monday, Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, before an announced crowd of 70,108.
- Following a February bombing campaign involving the United States and Israel, Iran faced severe obstacles including visa issues and a forced relocation of their training base to Mexico.
- New Zealander Eli Just scored twice for the All Whites, but Iran equalized both times through Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute and Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute.
- With all Group G teams tied on one point each, fans inside the stadium displayed "Lion and Sun" flags and booed the anthem despite FIFA's ban.
- Iran captain Mehdi Taremi stated the team aims to unite Iranians through soccer, focusing on the game rather than the political distractions that defined their tournament preparations.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Iran, New Zealand Split Points in 2-2 Draw
New Zealand striker Elijah Just scored twice but couldn’t secure the win as Iran rallied for a 2-2 draw in Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage match, ESPN reported. Just put New Zealand ahead in the 7th minute and extended the lead to 2-0 in the 54th. Iran responded with goals from Ramin Rezaeian (32′) and Mohammad Mohebbi (64′) to level the score. Iran nearly stole it late, but Thomas cleared Ezatolahi’s effort off the line in stoppage ti…
Iran play out thrilling draw with New Zealand after chaotic World Cup build
Iran made the brighter start but fell behind in the seventh minute after Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood held the ball up at well and combined with Just, and the Motherwell man steered a volley past Alireza Behranvand in the Iran goal.
For 90 minutes, the selections were responsible for successfully forgetting all the tension lived outside the field. The game ended in tie (2-2), but there was a clear winner: football.
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