Eli Just staying grounded despite World Cup spotlight

Eli Just's phone hasn't stopped buzzing since his historic World Cup brace against Iran, but the All Whites winger insists New Zealand's strong start to the tournament hasn't changed his mindset ahead of tomorrow's Egypt clash.

Just scored two goals in New Zealand's 2-2 draw with Iran on Tuesday, becoming one of the most notable performances from the competition's opening round.

The 26-year-old admitted the attention in the days since had been difficult to process.

"It's been really incredible. It's hard to put into words," he told 1News.

"My phone's been blowing up, a lot of people congratulating me. It's been really nice."

The brace briefly placed Just alongside some of the football's biggest names in the competition's scoring charts, with only Argentina's Lionel Messi ahead of him after the opening matches.

While he described hearing his name alongside Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane as "surreal", Just said individual accolades were secondary to the team's overall success.

"I don't mind if it's not me doing the scoring, as long as someone's doing it, and we're getting the points," he said.

"At the same time I would love to keep scoring, but if any of the other lads, and I'm sure they will score goals, then they deserve some praise as well."

The result against Iran had boosted confidence within the New Zealand camp, but Just said the team had walked away with "mixed emotions" after the game.

"Everyone was really happy, pleased with the performance. But you can't help but feel disappointed that maybe the three points slipped away."

The team now remained focused on the challenge ahead.

"We've stayed pretty grounded. We've not let the good result fool us into thinking that we're just going to turn up and roll over any team," Just said.

"I think we still have a little bit of an underdog mentality, although we really believe in ourselves."

All Whites motivated by home support

Just said the players were aware of the support back home, where thousands of Kiwis tuned in in record numbers to watch the All Whites play.

"It's been really special. All of the lads have been getting messages from people back home, just saying how proud they are," he said.

"When I was 10 years old watching the previous group at the World Cup, I know how inspired I was.

"So hopefully there's a few guys out there feeling pretty special."

The All Whites face an Egypt side which boasts several notable football names, including Liverpool sensation Mohammed Salah.

A win against the 28th world-ranked team would significantly strengthen the All Whites' chances of progressing to the knockout stages — something New Zealand has never achieved before.

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