'Asia that never knows defeat': Iran's incredible resilience... ends in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand after a thrilling match

*This content was translated by AI.

Asia's unbeaten run continued. This time, Iran displayed incredible resilience.

On the 16th (Korea time), Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in the Group G opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA.

In this tournament, Iran was drawn into Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The Group G opener between Belgium and Egypt, also played on the same day, ended in a 1-1 draw. As a result, all four teams in Group G began the World Cup with one point each.

Iran, led by coach Amir Ghalenoei, secured their spot in the tournament by finishing first in the Asian third qualifying round for the North American World Cup. However, the team faced numerous setbacks ahead of the tournament due to military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. With speculation even mounting that Iran might not participate in the World Cup, the Iranian squad only received U.S. visas on the 6th, just before the tournament began. Even then, visas were issued only to some players initially, making Iran's preparation for the tournament extremely difficult.

New Zealand returned to the World Cup stage for the first time since the 2010 South Africa tournament, 16 years later. With the number of participating teams expanding from 32 to 48 starting this tournament, New Zealand also benefited. While New Zealand had long boasted the strongest team in Oceania, the region was allocated only 0.5 World Cup spots, leading to repeated failures in intercontinental playoffs. However, starting this tournament, the top-ranked team in Oceania can now qualify directly for the World Cup, allowing New Zealand to finally participate on the global stage.

Iran fielded a 4-4-2 formation, with Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos), who has played in Europe's top leagues, leading the attack. New Zealand, under coach Darren Bazeley, countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Chris Wood, currently playing for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League (EPL), leading the front line.

In the FIFA rankings, Iran was ranked 20th while New Zealand was 85th, showing a significant gap. However, New Zealand took the lead. In the 7th minute of the first half, New Zealand opened the scoring against Iran. Wood, using his superior physical condition, controlled the ball with his chest, won a physical battle, and advanced toward the goal. Eliza Just (Motherwell), who made a run, finished with a volley to send the ball into the net.

In the 15th minute of the first half, Wood again seized a crucial chance by overpowering opponents in a physical battle. However, Iran's defense showed concentration at the last moment to prevent a goal.

Iran immediately launched a counterattack. In a counter-attack situation, Taremi attempted a precise long-range shot, but the ball struck the post and went out. In the 29th minute of the first half, Saman Ghoddos (Al Ittihad Kalba) took a volley as the New Zealand goalkeeper ventured out of the goal, but the ball went wide of the post.

After persistently pressing, Iran finally equalized. In the 33rd minute of the first half, in a chaotic situation in front of the New Zealand goal, Ramin Rezaeian (Foolad) calmly pushed the ball in to level the score at 1-1. Iran also had Ali Nemati (Foolad) score with a header during stoppage time in the first half, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call in the preceding play.

Iran used two substitution cards immediately after the second half began, hoping to turn the tide. However, New Zealand took the lead again. In the 9th minute of the second half, Wood once again created an attacking opportunity by winning possession and engaging in a physical battle. Just, standing nearby, did not miss the chance and finished the play, putting New Zealand ahead 2-1.

However, Iran did not collapse. In the 19th minute of the second half, in a set-piece situation, Mohammad Mohebi (FK Rostov) scored the equalizer. Rezaeian's cross from the right flank was accurate, and Mohebi smashed a powerful header through the defenders to open the goal.

After that, Iran continued its offensive push in search of a go-ahead goal. However, they were unable to open the New Zealand goal again. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.