Elijah Just stuns the world as New Zealand makes World Cup history

New Zealand and Iran were expected to play a relatively quiet match, with the political backdrop drawing more attention than the football, but instead they produced a thrilling game. After just over an hour, the teams were level at 2-2, following an impressive contest on both sides of the pitch, especially from New Zealand.

Elijah Just scored twice in flowing attacks finished by the All Whites, and the goals quickly won admiration online for both the player and the team. Chris Wood provided both assists for Just. New Zealand also stood out for its ability to keep possession and escape Iran's pressure.

Just's brace carried historic significance. He became the first player in New Zealand history to score a brace in a World Cup match. The two goals also accounted for one third of New Zealand's all-time World Cup goals, in the national team's third campaign at the tournament so far.