LOS ANGELES, Jun 16 (V7N) – Iran began their FIFA World Cup campaign amid political controversy and protests outside SoFi Stadium, but showed resilience on the pitch by coming from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a dramatic Group G encounter on Tuesday.

The match took place against a backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament. Demonstrators gathered outside the stadium before kickoff, with some calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to take stronger action against Tehran, while others voiced opposition to Iran's current government.

Adding to the controversy, FIFA upheld a last-minute ruling prohibiting the display of Iran's pre-revolutionary flag inside World Cup venues, according to reports from local media.

Despite the distractions, both teams delivered an entertaining contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the 90 minutes.

New Zealand, ranked 85th in the FIFA rankings, stunned Iran early when forward Elijah Just opened the scoring in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the Oceania side a 1-0 lead.

Iran responded with increasing pressure and nearly found an equalizer in the 24th minute. Star striker Mehdi Taremi unleashed a powerful shot that struck the goalpost, leaving Iranian supporters frustrated after a promising attacking move.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 32nd minute when defender Ramin Rezaian surged forward and fired a shot into the New Zealand net, restoring parity and sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.

The second half began in similar fashion, with New Zealand once again taking the lead. Elijah Just completed his brace in the 54th minute, finishing clinically to put his side ahead for a second time.

However, Iran refused to surrender.

Just ten minutes later, Rezaian turned provider as he delivered a precise cross from the right flank. Mohammad Mohebbi rose above the defense and powered a header into the net in the 64th minute to level the score at 2-2.

Both teams continued to search for a winner during the closing stages, creating several dangerous opportunities. However, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough before the final whistle.

The draw earns each team a point in their opening Group G fixture and leaves qualification hopes firmly alive as the tournament progresses.

For Iran, the result showcased determination under difficult circumstances, while New Zealand will take confidence from a spirited performance against one of Asia's traditional football powers.

END/SMA/AJ