Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand on Monday was much anticipated for political reasons, but for 90 minutes here at SoFi Stadium, it was most notable as a fantastic football match.Iran, whose preparations for the tournament have been clouded by war and travel difficulties, came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.New Zealand, the third-lowest-ranked team at the tournament, was impressive. But the Iranians, spurred on by a near-sellout crowd of 70,108, played with passion and fought back in both halves.The draw — the fourth of four at the World Cup on Monday, the first time there have been so many since the very same day of 1958 — leaves both teams level with Egypt and Belgium on one point in Group G.Henry Bushnell, Laurie Whitwell and Jacob Whitehead analyze the key talking points…How good was Iran’s second equaliser?Iran started the match in a 4-4-2 system and, if that wasn’t enough of a throwback, its second goal matched the classic feel. Iran’s attack in the 64th minute was sharp and incisive, gilding this entertaining game with a beauty that provoked pangs of nostalgia.Ramin Rezaeian got the ball on the right wing and wasted no time crossing it into the box, where it was met perfectly by Mohammad Mohebi who guided it in off the post. It was a reminder that this game can be made to look rather simple at times, even if his initial celebration might invite more questions.Mohebi celebrates his goal (Getty Images)The move had started with Saman Ghoddos’ sweeping ball out to the flank from the left hand side. Rezaeian, in space, had been calling for the ball seconds earlier when it was at the feet of centre-back Ali Nemati. Saeid Ezatolahi was pointing for a switch to Rezaeian. But Nemati instead went to left-back Milad Mohammadi, prompting Rezaeian to turn in frustration. Then Ghoddos intervened and instantly faded a pass to put New Zealand on the back foot.Still, Rezaeian was super incisive, delivering his cross from deep with such pace all it required was a glance in the right direction. Mohebi got in between centre-backs Michael Boxall and Finn Surman, who seemed a little preoccupied by Ali Alipour behind him. The value of two centre-forwards in the box, right there.Laurie WhitwellNew Zealand is one of the lowest-ranked teams in the competition. Did it show?