Just double not enough as New Zealand draw 2–2 with Iran

Just's double earns a point, but New Zealand wanted more

New Zealand 2–2 Iran in the World Cup Group G opener on Monday. Elijah Just scored twice, and he did not hide the mixed feelings afterwards. "It is a memory that'll last me for the rest of my life," Just said. "Obviously incredible. It's not something I could have even dreamt of, so I'm just so happy. One was nice, so two was amazing" (1) (5).

Then the honesty kicked in: "Coming into the tournament our goal was to get out the group, so we're almost a little disappointed because it could have been three points" (1).

Your team led twice, conceded twice. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi got the Iranian goals (1) (7). One point, top of the group alongside everyone else, but the feeling is a chance missed.

Garbett out of the World Cup

Matt Garbett is done. The midfielder has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a hamstring injury suffered before the Iran match (1). No replacement has been named yet. Losing a starter before a ball was kicked is a blow New Zealand can ill afford with Egypt and the group finale still to come.

Celtic circling after Just's breakout

Elijah Just picked a good time to score twice at a World Cup. Celtic were already watching the Motherwell winger, and that display has reportedly pushed them to accelerate their interest (6). The price may have just gone up, with one report suggesting Celtic now face paying 10% more (6). Just's agent, Gustaf Grauers, has confirmed talks will wait until after the tournament. Chris Wood's name is also in the mix in the broader scouting conversation (6).

Fan-reaktioner

New Zealand fans are torn between pride and frustration. The two-goal lead slipping away stings, but Just's performance has the subreddits buzzing, several calling it the best individual World Cup display by an All White. The Garbett injury news landed hard, with supporters already worried about depth for the Egypt match. A bizarre subplot also went viral: a TRT commentator apparently mistook New Zealand for Iran for four full minutes on the broadcast. See the discussion