Iran fight back to draw 2-2 with New Zealand at World Cup 

LOS ANGELES: ‌Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday after an end-to-end contest played against the backdrop of Iranian fan protests against the government in Tehran.
New Zealand went ahead ‌in the ‌seventh minute when Elijah ‌Just ⁠volleyed home from ⁠inside the box after being set up by Chris Wood. Iran deservedly levelled in the 32nd, Ramin Rezaeian stabbing the ball in from close range ⁠to send the largely ‌Iran-supporting crowd ‌at a packed Los Angeles stadium into ‌raptures.
The outstanding Just, the 26-year-old ‌Motherwell winger, restored New Zealand’s lead in the 54th minute, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand ‌after another assist from Wood. But Iran hit back ⁠again ⁠10 minutes later, Mohammad Mohebbi glancing a header in off the back post to equalize again.
Iran will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium, while New Zealand take on Egypt in Vancouver in the next Group G matches on Sunday. Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt earlier on Monday.