On a cold winter afternoon in Wellington, dozens gathered at the Four Kings sports bar to watch New Zealand’s football team, the All Whites, take on Iran. The politics and hostilities surrounding Iran’s World Cup opener may have dominated attention in the lead up to the match, but in New Zealand, fans on both sides turned out for one reason: the love of the game.
“It’s hugely significant,” said Andy Brown. “It’s all about football, it’s the World Cup and how good is it to see New Zealand there now? I saw them in 82 as a young’n and I can’t believe its happening again.” New Zealand are the lowest ranked team in the competition, sitting at No 85 according to Fifa, compared to world No 21 Iran.
It was an electrifying match – Iran and New Zealand slugged it out under the global spotlight, the match ending in a 2-2 draw that had supporters on both sides coiled with anticipation until the final moments. “I just want to see them do well,” said Iran supporter Arman, adding his team had faced a huge amount of pressure. “I’m a huge football fan and I know its very polarised and there are emotions and strongly held opinions – I think its really unfortunate, the players and the team suffer a lot. They’re not the ones responsible for human rights abuses.”
The political backdrop did not quell the enthusiasm at the Four Kings. The crowd erupted into cheers and groans as Iran and New Zealand traded goals in the first half. When Eli Just became the first New Zealand player to score twice in a World Cup match, the noise from the bar might have broken the sound barrier. The jubilant mood was quickly dashed when Mohammad Mohebis scored Iran’s second goal moments later.
As the game drew to a close and a draw was confirmed, those in the bar clapped – the mood a mix of resignation and relief. In the minutes afterwards, an All Whites supporter approached Arman to shake his hand. “That was painful,” Arman said. “We didn’t lead at all … we didn’t lose but I have high expectations and standards for the team. We should have won.” Stan, an All Whites supporter, was elated for his team. “It was an incredibly evenly matched game – both teams had a great attitude, were playing to win, taking chances – a great game of football.”
