{"id":36398,"date":"2026-06-16T12:27:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:27:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/16\/ilya-makes-history-by-scoring-two-goals-for-new-zealand-at-the-world-cup\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T12:27:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:27:26","slug":"ilya-makes-history-by-scoring-two-goals-for-new-zealand-at-the-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/16\/ilya-makes-history-by-scoring-two-goals-for-new-zealand-at-the-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Ilya makes history by scoring two goals for New Zealand at the World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ENGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) \u2014 Elijah made history as the first new zealand<\/span> A player who scores two goals in the World Cup. It wasn’t enough for the world’s lowest-ranked team to win for the first time in their history.<\/p>\n
all whites held Iran to 2-2.<\/span> Monday night’s match in the Los Angeles area marked New Zealand’s fourth consecutive draw at the World Cup, which was undefeated after three draws in 2010.<\/p>\n
“This might be our best performance yet,” coach Darren Bazley said. “We came here to win and we were close to making history.”<\/p>\n
The All Whites led 1-0 and 2-1 thanks to Just, who blew kisses to the crowd, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, after scoring his second goal. chris wood<\/span>the Kiwis’ most famous player assisted on both goals.<\/p>\n
“Today we showed that we are a dangerous team,” Just said. “We can’t afford to be disappointed. It’s always difficult to get points in the World Cup.”<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old winger entered the World Cup after a strong season with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, making him a candidate for Player of the Year.<\/p>\n
“It’s not a surprise to me. I’ve known him for a really long time,” Bazley said of Just. “He showed the world how dangerous he is. He’s skinny, but he gets into the pocket, he turns, he reacts fast. A lot of people probably look at that today and say, ‘He’s a good player.’ This will be of great help to him. \u201d<\/p>\n
Although his parents, brother, uncle, and girlfriend were in the audience, the majority of the audience were Iranian fans, which was to be expected given that Los Angeles has the largest number of Iranians outside of their home country.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got a real adrenaline rush walking around,\u201d Just said. “Once the game started we calmed down a bit. We were very good on the ball. We handled the situation really well. The players were really brave. Overall, it was the performance we needed.”<\/p>\n
Before the World Cup expanded to 48 teams, the All Whites had only qualified twice, in 1982 and 2010. They never made it past the group stage.<\/p>\n
The team spent the day watching other World Cup games, including the underdogs. Cape Verde vs Spain draw<\/span>. So Bazley thought today might be his team’s day.<\/p>\n
New Zealand entered the tournament at 85th place, the lowest in the qualifying round, but is well known as a rugby powerhouse.<\/p>\n
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New Zealand’s Ilya Just, 11, center, scores the opening goal during the Soccer World Cup Group G match between Iran and New Zealand on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/figcaption><\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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New Zealand’s Ilya Just, 11, center, scores the opening goal during the Soccer World Cup Group G match between Iran and New Zealand on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n
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New Zealand’s Elijah Just, 11, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal in the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. (AP Photo\/Jae C. Hon)<\/figcaption><\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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New Zealand’s Elijah Just, 11, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal in the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. (AP Photo\/Jae C. Hon)<\/p>\n
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Just’s performance against Iran, who had an overwhelming advantage, gave the All Whites confidence.<\/p>\n
“He’s a great player and he’s very dangerous when we move him forward,” defender Finn Surman said.<\/p>\n
The All Whites’ next chance for their first World Cup victory will be on Sunday against Egypt in Vancouver, British Columbia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can change how people see us and what they expect from us,\u201d Thurman said. “We still think we can be better. We know we can be better.”<\/p>\n
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AP World Cup: https:\/\/apnews.com\/fifa-world-cup<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n