Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been overshadowed by war, politics, and protests.
The Iranian team's presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States.
Iran players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament's lowest-ranked team, thanks to goals from New Zealand striker Elijah Just.
However, equalizers from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi spared Team Melli any further blushes.
The Iran team have dealt with a gamut of obstacles before even arriving at this World Cup, from delayed and refused US visas, to moving their training camp to Mexico at the last minute.
Hundreds of protesters against Iran's ruling regime demonstrated outside the venue Monday, saying the team does not represent their people.
New Zealand retook the lead in the 55th minute, thanks to a brace from Elijah Just, but Iran were again pegged back nine minutes later, as Mohebi's leaping header from Rezaeian's superb cross glanced off the inside post.
