Iran played its first FIFA World Cup match in Los Angeles, United States today against New Zealand.
The World Cup campaign of Iran had been overshadowed by politics, protests and war.
New Zealand started the game very strongly and their striker Elijah was able to score two goals in the beginning.
However, Iran also made a comeback during the match and Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi each scored a goal and equalised the score.
This match had been under a lot of uncertainty due to the political situation in the World. The Iranian team before this match had already dealt with delayed US visas and having to move their training camp to Mexico at the last minute.
The venue of the match also saw hundreds of people protesting against Iran’s ruling regime.
The Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei told his team just before the game not to take any of the hype or criticism around the match seriously.
In the final half hour of the game when Iran had equalised the score of the match they started dominating the game.
However, they were unable to score another goal to win the match mainly due to their sloppy finishing. Other than that the defenders of New Zealand also defended the team superbly.
Since New Zealand is one of the weakest teams of the World Cup drawing with them is a missed opportunity for Iran.
Now Iran’s hope for sailing into the knockouts smoothly has almost been shattered. The other Group G contenders Belgium and Egypt also had their match drawn.
The draw was a result of good performance by New Zealand but they still need to get their first FIFA World Cup win ever.
Also read: White House says Iran football players issued US visas for FIFA World Cup
