🎥 Uruguay held by Saudi Arabia! Iran and New Zealand serve up 4️⃣ goals! | OneFootball

Despite the difficulties faced before the tournament, including logistical issues, visas, and protests from part of the Iranian delegation in the United States, Iran earned a hard-fought point in their opening match against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

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Ghalenoei’s team came from behind twice, thanks to goals from Rezaeian and Mohebi.

A lot of attention, needless to say, was on the two teams’ national anthems, and to be honest there were a few whistles during Iran’s. As the minutes passed, though, the intensity of the match took over and the crowd focused on the action on the pitch.

As mentioned, New Zealand took the lead twice through Just, the MVP of the match. Iran, however, always responded, inspired by captain Taremi and driven on by their fans, first finding the equalizer through Rezaeian and then the final 2-2 thanks to a Mohebi header.

The former Inter man was especially unlucky on one counterattack, starting from his own half and driving all the way to the edge of the opposition box, but his curling effort toward the far post crashed off the upright!

It ended 2-2 in one of the best matches of this opening stage of the World Cup. Everything is now level in Group G, after Egypt and Belgium also drew earlier in the day.

Saudi Arabia-Uruguay 1-1

No winner in the match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay either. It finished 1-1 in a hard-fought game, opened up by the Saudis in the first half thanks to a goal from Al Amri, who was quick to capitalize on a mistake by former Lazio keeper Muslera.

The South Americans struggled badly, and one of the most lost-looking players was Darwin Núñez, so much so that coach Bielsa left him in the dressing room at halftime. The move — no offense to the former Liverpool man — paid off, and La Celeste dominated the second half, going close to scoring several times. In the end, the equalizer came in the 80th minute through Maxi Araújo, who reacted quickly to pounce on a rebound from goalkeeper Alowais after a Viñas effort.

In the final ten minutes, Uruguay turned up the pressure even more, also coming close to snatching victory late on, but they were denied by an outstanding Alowais, who produced several decisive saves.

The result leaves Group H completely balanced, with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay level with Spain and Cape Verde after the opening matchday. For Bielsa, however, the attacking issue remains unresolved: the team creates chances, but continues to struggle badly. How far away are the good old days when La Celeste could choose up front between Diego Forlán, Cavani, and Luis Suárez...

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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