Iran fight back twice to rescue thrilling draw against New Zealand

Iran put their turbulent build-up to the World Cup behind them as they fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zeland in what was the game of the tournament so far.

After a bright start from Iran, New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute after Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood held the ball up at well and combined with Motherwell forward Eli Just, who steered a volley past goalkeeper Alireza Behranvand.

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Iran repsonded well as Ramin Rezaeian found an equaliser but Just grabbed his second of the game 10 minutes into the second half as combined with Wood again before rounding off a flowing team move to put New Zeland on course for a first World Cup win.

However, Iran hit back again. Rezaeian swung in a cross from the right and Mohammad Mohebbi guided a header in off the foot of the post to secure a draw that leaves all four teams in Group G on one point following Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt.

More to follow.

The key moments from Los Angeles...

Protestors gathered outside Sofi Stadium, calling for change in Tehran ahead of Iran's first game at the World Cup.

Iran's anthem was jeered by some sections of the crowd in LA

7: GOAL! Just's strike game New Zealand lead against the run of play

Also See:

World Cup day-by-day schedule

World Cup news and live updates

Group G guide in full

World Cup tables

32: GOAL! Rezaeian brought Iran level as the first hydration break broke New Zealand's momentum

54: GOAL!: Just combined with Wood for a second time to give New Zealand the lead again

64: GOAL! Mohebbi headed Iran level again in topsy-turvy contest

What the result means...

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