Iran twice rally to draw New Zealand in tense World Cup match
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in Los Angeles as protests, heavy security and divided Iranian American fans framed the Group G game.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Iran came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their World Cup Group G match at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday, Reuters reported. The result left every team in the group on one point after Belgium and Egypt also drew earlier in the day.
The match was played under a charged political backdrop, with protests against Tehran’s government outside the stadium and a peace deal to end the US-Iran war looming over the event, according to Reuters. Security was heavy around the venue before kickoff.
New Zealand went ahead early when Elijah Just volleyed from inside the penalty area after a setup by Chris Wood. Reuters reported that some fans opposed to Iran’s government celebrated the goal alongside New Zealand supporters.
Several anti-government spectators carried Iran’s pre-Islamic Revolution Lion and Sun flag, which Reuters reported was against FIFA rules. Some also booed Iran’s national anthem before the match.
Most of the crowd of more than 70,000 appeared to support Iran, chanting for Team Melli and celebrating loudly when Ramin Rezaeian equalised shortly after the 30-minute mark, Reuters reported. Rezaeian scored after reacting first to a blocked shot and pushing the ball past the goalkeeper.
Reuters noted that Rezaeian was among several Iran players who had not played club football since February, after the domestic league was suspended amid US and Israeli air strikes. Iran entered the tournament still seeking its first appearance in the knockout stage.
New Zealand restored its lead early in the second half through another Wood-Just combination. Wood, New Zealand’s captain, slipped a pass into Just’s path, and the forward struck powerfully to make it 2-1.
Iran answered 10 minutes later. Mohammad Mohebbi headed in Rezaeian’s cross off the far post to level the match at 2-2, Reuters reported.
The draw extended New Zealand’s wait for a World Cup victory. Reuters reported that the All Whites, making their third appearance at the tournament, have now gone seven World Cup matches without a win.
The political tensions around the game were visible before kickoff. Reuters reported that roughly 300 to 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium with anti-government signs and flags.
The match also exposed divisions among Iranian American fans, many of whom described mixed feelings to Reuters: pride at seeing Iran play on the world stage, anger over Tehran’s crackdown on protesters and concern about Washington’s bombing campaign. Some said attending the match would be seen as backing Iran’s government, while others said they wanted to support the players and keep politics apart from the game.
Iran are scheduled to return to Los Angeles to play Belgium on Sunday. New Zealand will face Egypt in Vancouver, Reuters reported.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.