Elijah Just scores two as New Zealand draws 2-2 with Iran

Elijah Just made history as the first New Zealand player to score two goals in a World Cup match, leading the All Whites to a 2-2 draw with Iran in their tournament opener on Monday night in Los Angeles. The result, while not a victory, marked a significant performance for the team, which entered the competition as the lowest-ranked qualifier.

The 26-year-old winger, who plays for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, volleying home from inside the box after a setup from captain Chris Wood. After Iran equalized in the 32nd minute, Just struck again early in the second half, hammering home another precise pass from Wood in the 55th minute to restore New Zealand's lead. Iran leveled the match a second time nine minutes later, resulting in the final draw.

Just, born in Palmerston North to a Chinese mother and German father, became the first All White to score a World Cup brace. After his second goal, he blew kisses to the crowd at SoFi Stadium, which included FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The atmosphere was politically charged, with some fans critical of the Iranian government booing Iran's national anthem before kickoff.