Iran twice came from behind to claim a draw with New Zealand in their World Cup opener, finally able to focus on football during 101 minutes of action in Los Angeles. The buildup had been unprecedented, messy, and chaotic, but after an entertaining draw, Iran's captain Mehdi Taremi described their World Cup as a 'disaster' and head coach Amir Ghalenoei labeled them the 'most oppressed' team at the tournament.
Political Backdrop and Pre-Match Tensions
A charter flight from LAX was scheduled for 11pm local time. It was a lively end to a relatively drama-free occasion, despite pre-match protests and anxiety about how the team would be received by their own supporters. Earlier, Donald Trump said a peace deal had been signed after almost four months of war, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched from the VIP seats.
Goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian canceled out a smart double from Eli Just. The partisan crowd provided joy that Taremi conceded had been missing in recent weeks. With the Hollywood hills visible from parts of the stadium, Iran did not seem burdened by political baggage.
Logistical Challenges and Protests
This was arguably the most politically supercharged sporting event in history, given Iran's hurdles just to take the field. Eleven Iran officials were refused entry, forcing the team to switch their base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Their training program was delayed, and they traveled to LA with skeleton staff.
Hundreds of thousands of Iranian-Americans live in 'Tehrangeles', many of whom fled persecution. Protests occurred at the team hotel and outside the stadium, with messages against the Islamic Republic. Protesters carried pre-revolutionary flags and portraits of the former shah. A FIFA ban on certain flags was upheld by a judge, but dozens still carried them into the ground.
Match Action
Iran started fast but trailed on seven minutes when Just linked with Chris Wood, juggled the ball, and scored past Alireza Beiranvand. Iran equalized when Rezaeian poked in after a flowing move. Just scored his second 10 minutes into the second half, coolly dinking over Beiranvand. Iran again equalized when Mohebi headed in via a post.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley said: 'We were so close to making history. We've maybe taken a few people by surprise. We're disappointed to come away with that sense of what if?'
