Iran and New Zealand met in a Group G match at the World Cup. The match meant more than an ordinary game for the Iranian football team. Iran fell behind early but later drew level.
The conflict with the United States, complications over visas and the relocation of their base camp are among the reasons Iran’s football team has been one of the most talked-about sides at this World Cup. Ahead of the New Zealand match, the team had arrived in Los Angeles in the United States from Mexico a day earlier. As Iran took the field for the match, various political slogans were still being chanted outside the ground.
New Zealand took the lead early against Iran, one of the most talked-about sides at the World Cup. In the seventh minute, Elijah Just put New Zealand ahead with a fine goal from a well-worked team move. Iran could have equalized in the 24th minute after going behind. Forward Mehdi Taremi’s shot came back off the post. Eight minutes later, Iran got the goal they wanted. Defender Ramin Rezaeian scored from a scramble inside the New Zealand box.
New Zealand then took the lead again in the 54th minute of the second half against Iran. That goal was also scored by Elijah Just.
In the 63rd minute, Mohammad Mohebi headed home a ball delivered by Ramin Rezaeian down the right. Rezaeian, who provided the assist for this goal, had also scored Iran’s first. With it, Iran drew level. The match ended in a draw.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report