4 Takeaways From Iran And New Zealand's Pulsating Draw At World Cup

In a game that featured quality goals and plenty of emotion, New Zealand and Iran played to a very entertaining 2-2 draw on Monday night at Los Angeles Stadium.

New Zealand took the lead twice through a stellar combination of Chris Wood and Elijah Just, but Iran was able to respond well twice with Ramin Rezaeian scoring and assisting in an inspired effort.

Here are my four takeaways from the match:

(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Iran controlled the game early and then again after the first half hydration break, but it was Chris Wood who gave New Zealand hope throughout the game. Wood is widely regarded as his country's best-ever player, as he leads the national team with 45 goals and 90 appearances. His experience dates back to playing as a teenager at the 2010 World Cup.

Wood, 34, is still playing at a very high level, having scored nine goals in World Cup qualifying, and he is just one year removed from scoring 20 goals in the 2024-25 Premier League season with Nottingham Forest.

In this game, New Zealand’s plan demanded that Wood not just be a goal-scoring threat, but also be very effective with his hold-up play. This is what kept New Zealand in the game. New Zealand had to play with most of its players sitting deep to defend. The Kiwis were able to generate offense by getting the ball up the field to Wood, having him hold up the ball while his teammates moved from defensive positions and into the attack.

While Elijah Just scored both goals, it was Wood’s effort on both plays that made it all possible.

Wood was extremely strong with his hold-up play, and he was the most important reason why New Zealand’s attack was so effective.

That should not downplay the accomplishments of Just. The 26-year-old