Iran played to a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their Group G World Cup opener at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday. Iran twice came from behind to salvage the result, with Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi scoring for Team Melli, including a tying goal from Mohebbi in the 64th minute. Elijah Just scored both of New Zealand's goals, with one in each half.
The match took place against a charged backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including protests against the government in Tehran and a tentative agreement to end the war between the United States and Iran.
Following the game, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that his team was ordered to leave the United States and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, only a few hours after the match. Ghalenoei described his squad as perhaps the most repressed team in the whole World Cup.
Iran is scheduled to return to Los Angeles on Sunday to face Belgium, while New Zealand will take on Egypt in Vancouver.