Iran's tumultuous World Cup campaign kicks off with a 2-2 stalemate against New Zealand

The Iranian team's presence at the Los Angeles Stadium was a significant milestone, and they were able to focus on the football after a long period of uncertainty. The Iran players found themselves trailing twice to the tournament's lowest-ranked team, New Zealand, courtesy of goals from striker Elijah Just.

However, equalisers from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi saved Team Melli from further embarrassment, thanks in part to a vocally pro-Iran crowd that drowned out planned protests by anti-government demonstrators. The Iran team had faced numerous obstacles before arriving at the World Cup, including delayed and refused US visas and a last-minute change of training camp to Mexico.

Hundreds of protesters against Iran's ruling regime demonstrated outside the venue on Monday, claiming that the team does not represent the Iranian people. Many fans inside the stadium sported anti-government emblems, defying FIFA rules against political messaging, and the Iran anthem was met with a mix of boos and cheers.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei had insisted that his players would not be distracted by the hype surrounding the match, but his side was caught off guard by an early New Zealand goal created by veteran striker Chris Wood. Wood's clever hold-up play and pass to Elijah Just led to the opening goal in the seventh minute.

Elijah Just scored with a impressive volley after a sharp exchange of passes with Sarpreet Singh and Wood, leaving the Iranian team trailing early on. Iran's star forward Mehdi Taremi nearly levelled the score in the 23rd minute, but his long-range effort ricocheted off the right post.

The Iranian team came close to equalising again when Kiwi keeper Max Crocombe was tackled outside his box, but a lobbed effort at the open goal faded wide. Iran's equaliser finally came in the 32nd minute, courtesy of a poacher's finish from wingback Rezaeian, who latched onto a rebound following a smart pass from Saman Ghoddos.

Iran defender Ali Nemati thought he had scored in first-half stoppage time, but his header from a free kick was comfortably offside, denying the team a potential lead. New Zealand retook the lead in the 55th minute, as Motherwell striker Just bagged a brace via a crisp one-two with Wood.

Just's second goal came after Liberato Cacace had stolen the ball on the halfway line, allowing New Zealand to regain the lead. However, Iran were again pegged back nine minutes later, as Mohebi's leaping header from Rezaeian's superb cross glanced off the inside post.

The game's final half hour saw Iran on the front foot, but they were unable to grab a winner due to a combination of sloppy finishing and dogged New Zealand defending. The draw has dented Iran's hopes of progressing to the knockouts for the first time, although fellow Group G contenders Egypt and Belgium also drew on Monday.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's wait for a first World Cup win continues, as they were unable to hold on to their lead and secure a historic victory. The draw has significant implications for the tournament, with Iran's chances of progressing to the next stage now uncertain.