World Cup group stage: Iran 0-1 New Zealand

World Cup group stage: Iran 0-1 New Zealand

• 22'

  Iran almost found the equalizer as Mehdi Taremi fired away from outside the penalty area, beat Max Crocombe and was only denied by the post.

• 20'

  Iran gradually took control in the midfield to keep New Zealand under pressure after struggling to connect in the first 15 minutes.

• 15'

  New Zealand picked out Wood in the box again. It's amazing how much space the striker keeps creating. He tried to shoot from close range but couldn't beat Beiranvand.

• 12'

  Once again, Wood opened up the space for his teammates, but this time Sarpreet Singh's rushed shot sent it wide.

• 10'

  After the goal, New Zealand formation settled into two defensive lines.

• 9'

  Conceding early was most certainly not in Iran's plan, since they looked confident in the first few minutes and were the favorites to win this match.

• 8'

  It only took two passes for New Zealand to score. Crocombe to Wood, who opened up the space for Just.

• 7'

  Goal! New Zealand score!

  New Zealand got their opening goal from their very first chance of the match. When the ball found Chris Wood in the box, he made a return pass for Elijah Just, who launched an unstoppable volley past keeper Alireza Beiranvand.

• 6'

  Iran got their first shot on goal, but it couldn't cause trouble for goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

• 2'

  Iran were taking no time as they quickly won the ball back from the kick-off and sent it down the right and into the box.