NZ vs Iran: How the All Whites rated in their 2-2 draw at the World Cup
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
ANALYSIS: There were some outstanding attacking performances from the All Whites as Eli Just scored twice in their opening game at the World Cup.
The diminutive Just, who starred this season with his club side Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League, took his two chances brilliantly, after being set up each time by Chris Wood.
But the far higher-ranked Iran put plenty of pressure on New Zealand’s defence and equalised twice in the 2-2 draw.
Here’s how the All Whites players rated:
Max Crocombe: After gaining the goalkeeper’s jersey over rival Alex Paulsen, the Millwall player wasn’t a convincing last line. He didn’t look confident coming for the ball, but wasn’t at fault for either goal. 4
Tim Payne: There will be five million disappointed Instagram followers after the right back often lost possession and struggled to stop Iran’s advances. 3
Finn Surman: An absolute wall at the back. Turned in a trademark display of clearing headers and blocked shots, being desperately unlucky to have one deflect to set up Iran’s first goal. 8
Michael Boxall: Like Crocombe, made a nervy beginning. Improved after Just’s first goal as confidence built, but was caught ball-watching and drifting away from his man for Iran’s second equaliser. 4
Liberato Cacace: A somewhat surprisingly subdued performance from the left back. Did have one strong attacking play, when his shot was saved, but probably wasn’t tight enough to stop the cross for Iran’s second. 5
Joe Bell: Worked his socks off in the centre of the park. Solid on the ball and a nuisance to Iran’s midfield without it. 7
Marko Stamenic: Also did a ton of donkey work alongside Bell, mostly off the ball, always endeavouring to break up Iran’s fluency. 6
Callum McCowatt: Got his chance to start due to Matt Garbett’s hamstring heartbreak, and did a fantastic job. Fine technique and vision on the ball and matched it with his work-rate. 8
Eli Just: He said before the tournament began that the All Whites were capable of shocking the world. Did everything he could to prove himself right with two wonderfully-taken goals, along with his neat passing interplay. 9
Chris Wood: The Nottingham Forest star was the provider for both goals, and it was obvious the Iran defenders were wary of him. Was denied a couple of times when seeking to score. 7
Sarpreet Singh: A surprise inclusion in the XI to some after failing to flatter in the warm-up games, but had some classy moments in the first half before fading in the second. 6
Substitutes: Ryan Thomas, Ben Old , Callan Elliot, Jesse Randall and Tyler Bindon all made second-half appearances. Elliot was sharp as Payne’s replacement while Thomas made a crucial defensive header in time added-on.
Bonus rating: Referee Cesar Ramos of Mexico had a faultless performance with the whistle. Never fell for any play-acting, kept the match flowing and was always in control of the players. 10