Iran 2 – 2 New Zealand

Iran put their turbulent build-up to the World Cup behind them to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in the game so far of the tournament.

After a bright start from Iran, in the seventh minute Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood held onto the ball well and linked up with Motherwell forward Ellie Just, who volleyed past goalkeeper Alireza Behranvand.

Iran responded well as Ramin Rezaian equalized but grabbed his second of the game just 10 minutes into the second half to combine with Wood again to score a flowing team move to put New Zealand on their way to a first World Cup win.

But Iran struck back again. Rezaian swung in a cross from the right and Mohamed Mohebbi sealed a draw with a header at the foot of the post that left four teams in Group G on one point after Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt.

More to follow.

Highlights from Los Angeles…

• Protesters calling for change in Tehran gathered outside the Sofi Stadium ahead of Iran’s first game at the World Cup.

• A section of the crowd in LA booed Iran’s music

• 7: Goal! The run game is leading against New Zealand in the strike-only game

• 32: Goal! The first hydration break broke New Zealand’s momentum and brought Rezaian Iran level

• 54: Target!: A second combination with Wood gave New Zealand the lead again

• 64: Goal! Mohebbi led Iran level again in the topsy-turvy competition

What does the result mean?

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