Iran has opened its politically charged World Cup by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The Iranian team overcame two deficits and finally got the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute. Ramin Rezaeian scored and then assisted on Mohebbi’s goal for the Iranians, whose World Cup cycle has been in upheaval since the U.S. and Israel began a war against Iran on Feb. 28. Iran is ranked 20th in its seventh World Cup appearance. New Zealand qualified for its first World Cup since 2010 despite being the lowest-rated team in the field.
