Iran clawed back twice from behind to draw 2-2 against New Zealand in a thrilling clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday. The match became more charged amid protests against Tehran’s government and a likely peace deal between USA and Iran to end the war.
The opening goal by New Zealand was celebrated by some fans who oppose the Iranian government. Many of them waved Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag, while some also booed the national anthem before the match started.
However, the majority of the crowd of more than 70,000 supported Iran, chanting “Ir-ran! Ir-ran!” erupted in celebration when Ramin Rezaeian scored the equaliser just after the half-hour mark.
Rezaeian, one of several Iranian players who had not played club football since February because the domestic league was suspended during U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, reacted quickest after a shot was blocked and poked the ball past the goalkeeper.
New Zealand regained the lead early in the second half through another fine move involving captain Chris Wood and Ben Waine. Wood played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Just, who smashed the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
Iran hit back 10 minutes later with an excellent goal. Mohammad Mohebbi met a pinpoint cross from Rezaeian and headed the ball in off the far post to level the score at 2-2.
The draw means every team in Group G has one point after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw earlier on Monday.
New Zealand, appearing at the World Cup finals for only the third time, are still searching for their first-ever win at the tournament after seven matches. Iran, meanwhile, are hoping to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
The match also highlighted divisions within the Iranian-American community. Many fans said they felt conflicted — proud to see Iran playing on football’s biggest stage, but also concerned about the Iranian government’s treatment of protesters and the impact of recent U.S. military actions.
Before kickoff, around 300 to 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium carrying anti-government signs and flags.
Some Iranian-Americans felt that attending the match could be seen as supporting the Iranian government, while others believed they could separate politics from football and support the national team and players.
Iran will return to Los Angeles on Sunday to face Belgium, while New Zealand will take on Egypt in Vancouver.
