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00:00Individual, not just the starting XI, experiences this symbolic moment of pride and emotion.
00:10Captain and number nine, Taremi, is one of five in the line-up, who played the club ball outside of
00:17Iran.
00:18He's in Greece with Olympiakos.
00:2137 years, 301 days old.
00:25And Chris Wood, hoping to add to his mammoth 45 goals in 90.
00:35The fourth World Cup in succession for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
00:40And New Zealand, 16 years away from the World Cup, looking for their very first win.
00:52Belgium and Egypt, the other two teams in this group, with one point each from their run-all draw in
01:00Seattle earlier today.
01:04Immediately, it's the Islamic Republic of Iran who have territory.
01:19One thing, it's absolutely certain as far as New Zealand are concerned today.
01:26They're going to haft to get the right service to their captain, Chris Wood.
01:31At the moment, they are defending.
01:38Opportunity for an early ball in.
01:41It's a loose one from Boxall.
01:45Sermon is going to be attacked here, the New Zealand centre-back, but he does well.
01:53That'll be a New Zealand throw.
01:55Well, it just opened up, didn't it?
01:57I'll tell her, Amy.
01:59I think he would have really fancied that 1v1 against Sermon.
02:03Just don't quite think he produced the skill that he wanted to.
02:11New Zealand will have done a lot of homework on Mehdi Taremi.
02:18Involved in 49% of their goals in qualification.
02:25Ten goals in 15 appearances to help his country to this World Cup.
02:32No way through for Just.
02:39Lovely dummy there from Taremi.
02:42And they're coming forward with Minis here, Iran.
02:47New Zealand defend well.
02:52Just think that was a great opportunity.
02:54It really did open up.
02:57Moran Luke.
02:58Maybe just looking too early for Taremi.
03:01Being such a quality player, their captain.
03:05Not always do you have to find him early.
03:09Maybe just a bit more belief in yourself to go first.
03:12Let the space open up.
03:14If you can then play to your captain, of course.
03:17Maybe not rushing that ball in towards him.
03:23What has been really noticeable at this World Cup already is the ferocious pace that the games have been played
03:31at in the main.
03:32And hard not to be swept along by the adrenaline inside this stadium.
03:37As Islamic Republic and Iran forced the first save.
03:42And a pretty routine one in the end for Max Crokem.
03:46Chris Wood becomes the first New Zealand player to play in two World Cups.
03:50He was just 18 in South Africa 2010.
03:53Three substitute appearances then.
03:55And he holds the ball up well.
03:56Which is very much a strength of his game.
03:59And they may be in for the first time here.
04:03Oh boy, they are in.
04:07And Elijah just rattles the back of the Islamic Republic of Iran's net.
04:17And having been on the back foot for much of the opening ten minutes.
04:24New Zealand have the lead.
04:31Well, they certainly know how to play, New Zealand.
04:34And when they get it in towards Chris Wood, he's got that experience.
04:37Takes it beautifully on the chest.
04:40Doesn't rush.
04:41Takes his time.
04:42In towards Just.
04:44Lovely little one-two.
04:45And again, Woods there to chest down.
04:47And then just when you need the composure.
04:50From Elijah just.
04:52The finish was there.
04:54He just allows it to drop in.
05:05The finish was there.
05:14And then the second time New Zealand have scored first in a World Cup match.
05:17Coincidentally, it came in the very same minute, the seventh.
05:22And it was against Italy.
05:25And they picked up a point back in South Africa 2010.
05:48I'd rather get the feeling if you are a Kiwi fan, you can barely contain yourself at the moment.
05:53But you're sitting on top of Group G.
05:55With the FIFA president watching on.
06:07Long, long way to go.
06:11Yes, and as we've talked about, that experience in Iran's side.
06:15I think it'll be really important.
06:18Still in these early stages.
06:22Especially considering they got off to such a good start.
06:35Here's an opportunity not taken.
06:40Started with the invention of Chris Wood.
06:42A little flick round the corner.
06:44Just was there to support.
06:46Great feat to start with from Singh.
06:48It was just then he was too straight onto the ball.
06:51Couldn't actually create the curl he would want.
06:59Here's the goal scorer.
07:01Here's the goal scorer.
07:04Seems cross.
07:07Very well defended.
07:09That had some quality on it.
07:17Kirkcatcher.
07:19Well, the Stamonich will get to Sermon.
07:26Another good pass from Ward
07:41Good ball between the lines
07:44Forces a stretch and save
07:47Hardly to grab on at the second attempt
07:50Rather too easy, though, going through the lines
08:04Barely 20 minutes
08:06The game has been incredibly stretched
08:11I think a lot of that is down to New Zealand
08:13And the way that they're playing
08:18Patient
08:19Comfortable possession here for Iran
08:23Godos
08:24Going to
08:27Spring an attack on that far side
08:37And they bring their A-game to the table
08:40Islamic Republic of Iran
08:42Technically very proficient
08:44Some fabulous football at times
08:49Only lost one of their 16 qualifying games
08:52Came against Qatar
08:58One of the first teams to qualify for the tournament
09:03Team melee, as they are known
09:11Might have been a late challenge there
09:13It's an excellent advantage from the referee
09:14Nothing really accrues, though, for Iran
09:18And now Wood
09:30Nice spread of play here
09:41This is Bell
09:42Thought about the shot
09:50Look at the space to turn here
09:52Look at the space to turn here
09:53From the coward
09:53Really got to engage better there
09:55Iran
09:56Here's a counter-attack now
09:58Now Ward forward
09:59It's three against two in their favour
10:01There's no way back at the moment for New Zealand
10:04And the post is struck
10:28Outstanding return
10:30For Taremi
10:42Vauxhall
10:50Really good ball carry this
10:54Kokeham show some interest in it
10:55The goalkeeper
10:56Now did he make some contact there
11:03Kokeham a little slow to clear his lines
11:06And he's out of his goal
11:07But it's right
11:08But they were asking
11:09One or two half-hearted inquiries
11:11To referee Cesar Ramos
11:13Well, it was a bit of a mess, really
11:17Mohebi felt he wanted a penalty
11:20Then got back at the goalkeeper
11:21And then Godos it was
11:23With the chance to strike with
11:26Favoured New Zealand
11:38He had to get down well
11:41Through the legs
11:42There
11:44The ramband
11:47Excellent handling
11:49Struck with power
12:01There's I am
12:07Four white shirts in the penalty area
12:13Not an easy chance
12:16Moved on to that
12:17Smartly enough
12:18But
12:19But both teams looking to counter
12:21Gaps opening up
12:22When they do
12:23It's then just
12:24Can you have the quality
12:25And the timing of the pass
12:27To make the most of
12:29Those opportunities
12:30When they do open up
12:32When they do open up
12:53Good luck
12:57Rezaian wants to return
13:03Hebe walked it wide
13:21Kalinsana
13:25Rezaian is beginning to see more of the ball
13:30Useful
13:44And just listen to the noise at the Los Angeles Stadium
13:51The Islamic Republic of Iran on terms
14:02Ramin Rezaian
14:07Who's alertness, awareness, dynamism
14:10Pays off big time
14:13Well the ball into Godos
14:17Just sizing up the angle
14:18The New Zealand captain
14:28Well he just went for placement rather than power
14:32Well it was an easy take for Biran Van
14:39Yeah
15:41At the awesome Los Angeles Stadium.
15:46Which is absolutely packed today.
15:48Here's Wood.
15:52Shot's on.
15:53And it carries no sting.
15:58Again, first part was excellent.
16:01No power at all.
16:03Similar time span to distribute goal kicks.
16:07All in aid of speeding up the game.
16:16Well, heavy throw.
16:19Good distance on it.
16:23Well, the flick header.
16:25It can be a real weapon, this.
16:28It was.
16:30Oranlu it was.
16:31Just trying to flick.
16:33Not quite sure whether it's towards goal or towards the back post.
16:36But got the angle of his header wrong.
16:45Well, it's a little slow as Elijah just closed him down really well.
16:50Done excellently there.
16:52Just once a free kick.
16:55Time stood still for a split second or two before the referee decided no foul.
17:03Inside the last 90 seconds of the first half.
17:06It's a free header.
17:07And in.
17:09Offside.
17:10Won't count.
17:12The flag up immediately from the assistant referee on this near side.
17:17Of course, it will be checked by VAR.
17:22Well, Nemati was completely free.
17:25And you just wonder whether...
17:26Additional minutes have been played.
17:28And our Mexican referee, Cesar Ramos, draws the first half to a conclusion.
17:33Only the third ever meeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran and New Zealand.
17:38In New Zealand starting 11.
17:41And has played in the World Cup before.
17:43There is another in their squad.
17:47Defender Tommy Smith.
17:49Along with Chris Wood has played in the World Cup before.
17:55Well, they can make that change now.
17:58Ali Poore for Muganlu.
18:04Yeah, I mean, he took a few knocks in the first half.
18:07Muganlu.
18:09Maybe that's why he didn't look comfortable taking that strike only moments ago.
18:16The man replacing him is also a striker.
18:20Ali Poore plays for Persepolis.
18:23This is his first World Cup.
18:36Sermon.
18:39Sermon.
18:53Sermon.
18:54Not had a card of any colour in this game so far.
19:06Kakacha.
19:14Hungry.
19:16Possession one there for Iran, but not for long.
19:19Kakacha has it back.
19:25This is Wood.
19:27This is really nice in New Zealand.
19:29Very nice.
19:45It's that duo again.
19:48Wood and Just.
19:49And Elijah Just has his second goal of this Group G match.
19:59And the Islamic Republic of Iran with no answer to this.
20:04But when they put the patterns of play together.
20:08It looks terrific.
20:10But it works.
20:13Like you said, that combination.
20:15Twice in a World Cup match.
20:22And Iran rallied well after conceding to Just's opener in the seventh minute.
20:30Let's see if they have got a quick reply here.
20:33Gayedi.
20:38Good looking cross.
20:40A chance.
20:41And the real pressure there, the goalkeeper.
20:45And he needed all his reflexes there, Max Krokem.
20:50Gayedi it was.
20:52Just clipping that in towards the penalty area.
20:54But when.
20:55Mohebi.
20:57Nodded it down.
20:59It was Godos that was clearly in an offside position.
21:03Krokem, however.
21:08Stamanej doing well under pressure.
21:13Singh.
21:16Payne.
21:18Too much on that from Tim Payne.
21:22Free running.
21:24Elijah Just following himself right now.
21:30And that's late.
21:31From Payne.
21:33Referee is going to have a word, I think.
21:36Our Mexican official.
21:37But nothing more than that.
21:40I think he knows what he's doing there.
21:43Tim Payne.
21:44Doesn't want to be.
21:47Exposed.
21:48Down the side.
21:49By Gayedi.
21:51Made sure he stopped early.
21:53Really good run this.
21:55From Turemi.
22:00He's got options.
22:03Tried to find a route to goal himself and.
22:07The door was slammed shut.
22:15Macauat.
22:23Yeah, it's been a match of bursts, doesn't it?
22:26From both sides.
22:27Game really slows down.
22:29And then all of a sudden.
22:30One of the sides bursts into life.
22:33With an attack.
22:35So your concentration has to be very high.
22:38Defensively.
22:39Alone on it.
22:42Without an attack.
22:43.
22:50Kaleh Luzada
23:09space here for Bell
23:15looking for that link play again
23:18combination up front didn't work this time for Singh
23:23but they're looking to work centrally aren't they New Zealand
23:27just really does tuck in so does Macauat and then they can combine with Singh and Wood
23:52towards Wood and somebody running off it wasn't just it was Singh this time he's got the strike away
24:03and of course as Iran start to push for that equaliser it might open up even more space
24:09for Chris Wood
24:22Jeremy Infantino
24:25later on in the group
24:29USA very much impressed didn't they the opening match here
24:34wonderful performance
24:38scoring four goals could easily have had seven or eight on the day
24:43magnificent
24:45the perfect way for Maurizio Pochettino's co-host to start the tournament put a marker down
24:54have to go some to match the performance it's in their second game
24:58hit coming right
24:58three hit
25:13Iran have another answer
25:18and this was all about the quality of the cross
25:23Mohamed Mohebi
25:24had space
25:26from Darren Baisley's point of view the New Zealand head coach
25:30he'd be disappointed
25:30that he found the room
25:32but he still had to execute and did
25:35well what a pass
25:36from Kodos
25:38out towards
25:40Rezaian
25:41and then the cross in
25:43is absolutely perfect
25:56J80
26:00easy clearance for Sermon
26:17he could be heading for our fourth draw today at the World Cup
26:20but wait a moment
26:23Max Kroken
26:25barely had to move a muscle to
26:27reach that from Syed
26:30credit to the players that have been out
26:32there incidentally from the start
26:34for their fitness levels
26:36this is
26:37takes a toll on you physically
26:39but don't underestimate
26:41the mental challenge too
26:45as Sabrit Singh
26:47makes way for Jesse Randall
26:51he'll be playing in Scotland next season
26:53with Dundee United
26:55Stamonich's race is run
26:57and Tyler Bindon
27:00comes on for him
27:06his mother Jenny played as a goalkeeper
27:08for New Zealand
27:10in
27:12the World Cup
27:15and Elliot
27:17with the latest New Zealand lengthy throw
27:20that's a better one
27:21in for Wood
27:22couldn't get there
27:34excellent header
27:37Wood
27:37again is there
27:39but he
27:40can't get enough power on the header
27:42moving backwards
27:45it would have had to have been
27:46a magnificent header
27:48to have beaten
27:49better unband
27:52my word
27:52what an important touch that was
28:08I think it was Ryan Thomas
28:09who made that
28:11crucial header
28:12deep inside his own penalty area
28:15yeah it was a great header
28:16back across
28:18just asking for someone
28:19to head it in
28:22Thomas there
28:23with the backward header
28:25at the vital moment
28:30closing moments
28:37has Xavi
28:39time for one more cross
28:41perhaps from Rezaian
28:42what a game he's had
28:53free kick
28:54has been awarded here
28:55I don't think there'll be
28:56an opportunity now
28:58for either side
28:58to threaten the goal
29:08Cesar Ramos of Mexico
29:10brings the match
29:11to a conclusion
29:12one or two players
29:14fall flat on the ground
29:17the exertion
29:19the effort
29:20was supreme
29:22from both players
29:25the force
29:26in a rain
29:28we hope
29:28may be
29:28belki
29:28is美
29:28is
29:28nothing
29:28likely
29:28to
29:28be or
29:28to
29:28the fall
29:28Lee
29:28and
29:28and the
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