Elijah Just Popped Off for Two Goals and New Zealand Still Can't Get That World Cup W!

Holy smokes, what a wild ride out in Los Angeles today for the FIFA World Cup! New Zealand, chasing their first ever win on the biggest stage, looked like they had it in the bag not once, but TWICE, thanks to an absolutely electric performance from Motherwell forward Elijah Just. But no, seriously, NO, Iran just kept coming back, snatching a 2-2 draw right out from under the All Whites. Talk about a gut punch for New Zealand fans who thought they were finally gonna celebrate!

Just's Double-Punch Stuns The Stadium

From the jump, New Zealand came out swinging, and it was all about Elijah Just! He gave them a flying start, absolutely THUMPING home a half-volley after Chris Wood perfectly held up the ball and put it right in his path. What a finish! New Zealand was showing serious promise, playing with a fire we haven't often seen from them at the World Cup. But then, it happened, that mid-half hydration break, and BAM, the momentum swung. Iran's star forward Mehdi Taremi had already smashed one off the post, and after the break, Ramin Rezaeian flicked one past keeper Max Crocombe to level it up. Iran even had a goal wiped out for offside, showing they were knocking on the door big time.

But Just wasn't done! New Zealand regrouped in the second half, and who else but Elijah Just popped up again? He combined with Wood one more time, showing that chemistry is REAL, and lofted the ball right over Iran's keeper Alireza Beiranvand to put his side back in front. Two goals for the guy, a legit World Cup highlight reel! His display today absolutely backed up his fantastic club form from 2025-26, where he bagged seven goals and eight assists for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. The guy was playing with pure creativity, causing problems for Iran all game long. This is the kind of performance that makes you wonder who's gonna come calling after the tournament, for real.

Iran's Relentless Fightback Leaves New Zealand Searching

Despite Just's heroics, Iran just wouldn't quit. You could see why they're considered one of Asian football's heavyweights, playing slick, well-drilled football and showing constant urgency. It wasn't long before they found a way to restore parity again. Mohammad Mohebbi met Rezaeian's cross and guided a header in off the inside of the post. Just brutal for New Zealand, who racked up 14 shots, not far behind Iran's 17. Neither side could find that game-winner, and the final whistle blew on a 2-2 stalemate.

Look, the lead-up to Iran's campaign was dominated by some intense politics, with an agreement to halt hostilities with the US only announced on Sunday, and even issues with staff visas. But once that ball was kicked, the football absolutely stole the show. For New Zealand, though, it's gotta be a tough one to swallow. Every team in Group G now sits on one point, with Belgium and Egypt also drawing 1-1 in their opener. Just himself admitted, "One goal was nice, two was not something I could ever have dreamed of. This team is really special, but we know how tough our other opponents are. We have a lot of work to do." He's not wrong. They had the lead twice, and they let it slip. They’ve got to figure out how to close out these games if they want to make any noise in this World Cup. What a missed opportunity, but man, what a performance from Just!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.