Iran vs New Zealand preview

2026 World Cup, World
Los Angeles Stadium Tue, 16 Jun - 1:00 AM
World Cup
Iran IRN
2 – 2
New Zealand NZL
Full Time Tue, 16 Jun 1:00 AM
Round 1 Group Stage
Ramin Rezaeian - 32'
Mohammad Mohebi - 64'
Goal
|
Goal
Elijah Just - 7', 54'

CONTEXT

Iran and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw after a balanced first half that finished 1-1. New Zealand entered as the stronger side yet both teams traded goals evenly across the ninety minutes with possession split almost evenly at 49 percent to 51 percent. Expected goals finished at 1.52 for Iran and 1.4 for New Zealand producing a narrow differential of 0.12 that aligned with the final result. No red cards were shown and the second half produced no major structural shifts from the opening period. The outcome reflected the close underlying numbers despite New Zealand holding a pre-match edge in perceived quality. The match highlighted efficient finishing from both attacks without any single moment defining the scoreline.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: New Zealand showed a significant 72 percent deviation from pre-match positioning yet still secured a draw.
  • Efficiency shift: Both teams performed in line with their expected efficiency levels throughout the contest.
  • xG alignment: The 2-2 result proved consistent with the close xG figures of 1.52 to 1.4.
  • Market alignment: The draw outcome did not align with pre-match market expectations favoring New Zealand.
  • xG expectations: Iran posted a slight xG advantage of 0.12 over New Zealand in a low-scoring affair.
  • Event impact: The even halftime score of 1-1 carried through without decisive second-half adjustments.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards occurred so the match result faced zero distortion from dismissals.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
C. Ramos Palazuelos
C. Ramos Palazuelos
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
A. Morín
A. Morín
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
M. Bisguerra
M. Bisguerra
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Y. Araki
Y. Araki
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Iran A. Ghalenoei
A. Ghalenoei
VS
New Zealand D. Bazeley
D. Bazeley
0
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0
0 i
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0 i
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Iran
51.35%
Draw
27.99%
Away New Zealand
20.66%

Movement

Changes since opening
Iran
+46.88%
Draw
-63.94%
New Zealand
+17.05%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
25.92
44.44
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Iran
New Zealand
Power Score
25.92
44.44
League Position
2
1
Global Rank
-
85

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Iran — Opponent-weighted form score
New Zealand — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Iran New Zealand

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Iran

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

New Zealand

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Iran ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy New Zealand
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
40.41
31.76
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
31.76
40.41
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Iran +0.77 Efficiency Index
vs
New Zealand -0.77 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Iran
New Zealand
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Iran
vs
New Zealand
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Iran New Zealand
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
13%
41%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.20 vs -0.58
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Iran New Zealand
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
41%
13%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.58 vs -0.20
Iran
New Zealand
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Iran
vs
New Zealand
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Iran New Zealand
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Iran 0.30
New Zealand 0.32
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Iran New Zealand
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Iran 0.05
New Zealand 0.04
Iran
New Zealand
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • IRN had peak pressure around 7'.
  • IRN started the game with stronger pressure.
  • Both teams' pressure dropped after the 30th minute.
IRN Pressure NZL Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: IRN reached the top pressure at 7' (70.09).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Iran IRN Home
0 matches
New Zealand NZL Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-06-17T00:00:18+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch
A. Safar Beiranvand
Iran
1 A. Safar Beiranvand
R. Rezaeian
Iran
23 R. Rezaeian
S. Khalilzadeh
Iran
4 S. Khalilzadeh
A. Nemati
Iran
19 A. Nemati
M. Mohammadi
Iran
5 M. Mohammadi
M. Mohebi
Iran
8 M. Mohebi
S. Ghoddos
Substitution
Iran
14 S. Ghoddos
S. Ezatolahi Afagh
Iran
6 S. Ezatolahi Afagh
A. Yousefi
Substitution
Iran
17 A. Yousefi
S. Moghanlou
Substitution
Iran
20 S. Moghanlou
M. Taremi
Substitution
Iran
9 (C) M. Taremi
M. Crocombe
New Zealand
1 M. Crocombe
L. Cacace
Substitution
New Zealand
13 L. Cacace
M. Boxall
New Zealand
5 M. Boxall
F. Surman
New Zealand
16 F. Surman
T. Payne
Substitution
New Zealand
2 T. Payne
M. Stamenic
Substitution
New Zealand
8 M. Stamenic
J. Bell
New Zealand
6 J. Bell
E. Just
New Zealand
11 E. Just
S. Singh
Substitution
New Zealand
10 S. Singh
C. McCowatt
Substitution
New Zealand
20 C. McCowatt
C. Wood
New Zealand
9 (C) C. Wood

General Information

Date & Time
Jun 16, 2026, 01:00 AM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Round 1 · Group Stage
Stadium
Los Angeles Stadium
Capacity
70242
Attendance
70108
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos
Alberto Morín Méndez
Marco Antonio Bisguerra Mendiola
Yusuke Araki

Statistics

Possession
IRN
49%
NZL
51%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 2
2 Big Chances Created 2
13 Shots 6
56 Dangerous attacks 44
49 Possession 51
4 Corners 1
7 Free kicks 11
1 Yellow Cards 0

Match Overview

77 Ball Safe 80
4 Goal Kicks 11
12 Goal Attempts 10
4 Substitutions 5
25 Throwins 16
1 Hit Woodwork 0
25 Successful Headers 15
1 Assists 2
2 Injuries 1
11 Dribble Attempts 12
4 Successful Dribbles 6
36 Successful Dribbles Percentage 50

Attacking

96 Attacks 101

Possession

61 Long Passes 40
409 Passes 446
314 Successful Passes 376
77 Successful Passes Percentage 84
11 Key Passes 9
27 Successful Long Passes 21
44 Successful Long Passes Percentage 53

Defensive

6 Saves 2
17 Tackles 13
11 Interceptions 15
54 Duels Won 43

Build-up

19 Total Crosses 12
6 Accurate Crosses 1

Discipline

2 Offsides 0
10 Fouls 8

Lineup

Referee : César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos

Starting XI ▼

1
Alireza Beiranvand
Alireza Beiranvand Goalkeeper
7.41
4
Shoja Khalilzadeh
Shoja Khalilzadeh Defender
6.09
5
Milad Mohammadi
Milad Mohammadi Defender
6.13
19
Ali Nemati
Ali Nemati Defender
6.53
23
Ramin Rezaeian
Ramin Rezaeian Defender
8.42
6
Saeed Ezatolahi
Saeed Ezatolahi Midfielder
6.87
8
Mohammad Mohebi
Mohammad Mohebi Midfielder
7.37
14
Saman Ghoddos
Saman Ghoddos Midfielder
7.08
3
Ehsan Hajsafi
Ehsan Hajsafi
Defender65'
6.49
17
Arya Yousefi
Arya Yousefi Midfielder
6.76
10
Mehdi Ghayedi
Mehdi Ghayedi
Attacker46'
6.49
9
Mehdi Taremi
Mehdi Taremi (C) Attacker
7.11
18
Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
Attacker80'
6.65
20
Shahriar Moghanlou
Shahriar Moghanlou Attacker
6.73
11
Ali Alipour
Ali Alipour
Attacker53'
6.61
Referee : César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos

Starting XI ▼

1
Max Crocombe
Max Crocombe Goalkeeper
6.42
2
Tim Payne
Tim Payne Defender
6.46
24
Callan Elliot
Callan Elliot
Defender78'
6.69
5
Michael Boxall
Michael Boxall Defender
6.6
13
Liberato Cacace
Liberato Cacace Defender
6.45
19
Ben Old
Ben Old
Attacker68'
6.51
16
Finn Surman
Finn Surman Defender
7.52
6
Joe Bell
Joe Bell Midfielder
6.86
8
Marko Stamenić
Marko Stamenić Midfielder
6.75
4
Tyler Bindon
Tyler Bindon
Defender90+2'
10
Sarpreet Singh
Sarpreet Singh Midfielder
6.85
21
Jesse Randall
Jesse Randall
Attacker90+2'
6.63
11
Elijah Just
Elijah Just Midfielder
2
8.34
20
Callum McCowatt
Callum McCowatt Midfielder
7.06
23
Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas
Midfielder68'
6.15
9
Chris Wood
Chris Wood (C) Attacker
7.86

Events

2ND-HALF
90+2'
Event
Tyler Bindon → Marko Stamenić
8th Substitution
90+2'
Event
Jesse Randall → Sarpreet Singh
9th Substitution
Event
Ehsan Hajsafi
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
89'
Event
Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh → Mehdi Taremi
7th Substitution
80'
78'
Event
Callan Elliot → Tim Payne
6th Substitution
68'
Event
Ben Old → Liberato Cacace
4th Substitution
68'
Event
Ryan Thomas → Callum McCowatt
5th Substitution
Event
Ehsan Hajsafi → Saman Ghoddos
3rd Substitution
65'
Event
Mohammad Mohebi
Header / 4th Goal
64'
54'
Event
Elijah Just
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
Event
Ali Alipour → Shahriar Moghanlou
2nd Substitution
53'
Event
Mehdi Ghayedi → Arya Yousefi
1st Substitution
46'
1ST-HALF
Event
Ramin Rezaeian
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
32'
7'
Event
Elijah Just
Right foot shot / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
Foul committed by Mehdi Ghayedi of IR Iran.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Mehdi Ghayedi from IR Iran.
90
Update Update
Ali Alipour from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Ryan Thomas of New Zealand.
90
Update Update
Tyler Bindon from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to IR Iran after Callan Elliot concedes.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Chris Wood's header from the center of the box is saved in the top center of the goal by Alireza Beiranvand. The assist came from Jesse Randall's cross.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Chris Wood's header from the center of the box is saved in the top center of the goal by Alireza Beiranvand. The cross was assisted by Jesse Randall.
90
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for New Zealand: Jesse Randall comes on for Sarpreet Singh.
89
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for New Zealand: Tyler Bindon comes on for Marko Stamenic.
89
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 5 minutes of added time.
89
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Ali Nemati from IR Iran takes a left-footed shot from the center of the box but misses to the left after a corner.
89
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Ehsan Hajisafi from Iran receives a yellow card for a foul.
88
Update Update
Foul committed by Ehsan Hajisafi from IR Iran.
87
Update Update
Elijah Just from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
86
Corner Corner
IR Iran wins a corner after Callan Elliot concedes.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Saeid Ezatolahi from Iran has a right-footed shot from outside the box that is saved in the top center of the goal by Max Crocombe from New Zealand. The shot was assisted by Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh.
85
Update Update
Ehsan Hajisafi from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
85
Update Update
Foul committed by Marko Stamenic of New Zealand.
84
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Ali Alipour from IR Iran has his left-footed shot from the center of the box blocked.
84
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Saeid Ezatolahi from IR Iran takes a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes high and wide to the right.
81
Update Update
Ramin Rezaeian from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
81
Update Update
Ramin Rezaeian from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
81
Update Update
Foul committed by Ryan Thomas of New Zealand.
80
Update Update
Foul committed by Saeid Ezatolahi of Iran.
80
Update Update
Ryan Thomas from New Zealand wins a free kick in the attacking half.
79
Update Update
Mehdi Taremi from IR Iran misses a header from the center of the box, sending it to the right. The cross was assisted by Ramin Rezaeian.
78
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for IR Iran: Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh comes on for Mehdi Taremi.
78
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
76
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Saeid Ezatolahi from Iran.
76
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for New Zealand: Callan Elliot comes on for Tim Payne.
76
Attempt Attempt
Ehsan Hajisafi's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Mehdi Taremi provided the assist.
73
Update Update
Foul committed by Mehdi Ghayedi from IR Iran.
73
Update Update
Tim Payne from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
73
Attempt Attempt
Mohammad Mohebbi's right-footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Mehdi Ghayedi provided the assist.
71
Update Update
Foul committed by Saeid Ezatolahi from Iran.
68
Update Update
Elijah Just from New Zealand wins a free kick in the defensive half.
68
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
68
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for New Zealand: Ben Old comes on for Liberato Cacace.
67
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
67
Update Update
Foul committed by Ali Nemati from IR Iran.
67
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for New Zealand: Ryan Thomas comes on for Callum McCowatt.
65
Update Update
Max Crocombe from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
64
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Corner awarded to IR Iran after a foul by Michael Boxall.
61
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for IR Iran: Ehsan Hajisafi comes on for Saman Ghoddos.
61
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 2-2 as Mohammad Mohebbi scores for IR Iran with a header from the center of the box.
61
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Sarpreet Singh from New Zealand has a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, but Alireza Beiranvand from Iran saves it in the center of the goal. Chris Wood provided the assist.
59
Update Update
Foul committed by Shoja Khalilzadeh of Iran.
59
Update Update
Callum McCowatt from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
57
Update Update
Foul by Tim Payne of New Zealand.
55
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Mehdi Ghayedi from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
54
Update Update
Saman Ghoddos of IR Iran is caught offside.
54
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! New Zealand takes the lead 2-1 with Elijah Just scoring from the right side of the box after a fast break.
53
Update Update
Foul committed by Ali Alipour of Iran.
51
Update Update
Finn Surman from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
49
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for IR Iran: Ali Alipour comes on for Shahriyar Moghanloo.
48
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Shahriyar Moghanloo from IR Iran takes a left-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes high and wide to the left. Ramin Rezaeian provided the assist.
47
Attempt Attempt
Mehdi Ghayedi's right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. He was assisted by Ali Nemati, who provided a headed pass.
46
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to IR Iran after Tim Payne concedes.
46
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Chris Wood from New Zealand, who took a right-footed shot from outside the box.
45
Update Update
The second half begins with the match tied at 1-1 between IR Iran and New Zealand.
45
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for IR Iran: Mehdi Ghayedi comes on for Arya Yousefi.
45
Update Update
Offside called against IR Iran. Ali Nemati is flagged for offside.
45
Update Update
Offside for IR Iran. Ali Nemati is caught offside.
45
Update Update
Mehdi Taremi wins a free kick for IR Iran in the attacking half.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Elijah Just of New Zealand.
45
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Shahriyar Moghanloo from IR Iran heads the ball from the right side of the six-yard box, but it goes close and misses the top right corner. Arya Yousefi provided the assist.
43
Update Update
The fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time.
43
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Callum McCowatt's left-footed shot from outside the box is saved.
41
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Chris Wood from New Zealand has a right-footed shot from long range on the left, but Alireza Beiranvand from IR Iran saves it in the bottom left corner.
39
Update Update
Foul committed by Shoja Khalilzadeh of Iran.
37
Update Update
Liberato Cacace from New Zealand wins a free kick on the left wing.
37
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
35
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Saeid Ezatolahi from Iran.
35
Update Update
Shahriyar Moghanloo from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
35
Update Update
Foul committed by Marko Stamenic of New Zealand.
32
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
32
GOAL! GOAL! Important
The match is delayed due to an injury to Marko Stamenic from New Zealand.
30
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Shahriyar Moghanloo from IR Iran.
30
Attempt Attempt
Shahriyar Moghanloo's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
29
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The match is now 1-1 as Ramin Rezaeian scores for IR Iran with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
28
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Liberato Cacace from New Zealand has a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, but it's saved in the bottom right corner by Alireza Beiranvand of IR Iran. The assist comes from Sarpreet Singh.
25
Attempt Attempt
Saman Ghoddos from IR Iran misses an attempt, sending a left-footed shot from the right side of the box over the bar. Mohammad Mohebbi provided the assist.
23
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Saman Ghoddos from IR Iran, who took a right-footed shot from outside the box.
20
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
20
Update Update
The match is currently paused for a drinks break.
19
Attempt Attempt
Mehdi Taremi from Iran hits the woodwork with a right-footed shot from outside the box after a quick break.
18
Update Update
Ramin Rezaeian from Iran wins a free kick in the defensive half.
17
Update Update
Foul committed by Sarpreet Singh of New Zealand.
15
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Sarpreet Singh's left-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Alireza Beiranvand. The assist came from Finn Surman.
14
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
14
Update Update
Delay in the match involving IR Iran.
14
Attempt Attempt
Chris Wood's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Callum McCowatt.
12
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Marko Stamenic from New Zealand has a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that is blocked.
11
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to New Zealand after Arya Yousefi concedes.
11
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Callum McCowatt from New Zealand had a right-footed shot from the center of the box after a corner.
7
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Sarpreet Singh from New Zealand misses a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, sending it to the right. The assist was provided by Elijah Just.
6
Update Update
Michael Boxall from New Zealand is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
3
Update Update
Foul committed by Shahriyar Moghanloo of IR Iran.
3
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! New Zealand leads 1-0 with Elijah Just scoring from the center of the box.
1
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Arya Yousefi from IR Iran has a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that is saved.

CONCLUSION

The 2-2 draw between Iran and New Zealand delivered a fair reflection of two evenly matched attacks on the day. With expected goals nearly identical and possession balanced the result avoided any major surprises in the underlying data. New Zealand failed to convert their stronger team status into a victory while Iran matched them stride for stride after the shared halftime score. Efficiency remained steady for both sides and the absence of red cards kept the contest free from external disruptions. Overall the game stayed true to its xG profile and produced a logical outcome that rewarded neither side with an undeserved advantage. The final scoreline captured the competitive nature of the fixture from start to finish.