After Australia’s Nishan Velupillay, Indian-origin footballer Sarpreet Singh made his FIFA World Cup debut on Tuesday, June 15. Sarpreet, who plays as an attacking midfielder for New Zealand, became the first Indian-origin player to start in a FIFA World Cup match. While Nishan featured in Australia’s win against Turkey, he came on as a substitute in the 61st minute.
Born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, the 27-year-old Sarpreet made his World Cup debut in the politically charged clash against Iran and had a few attempts at goal. He was named in the starting XI by head coach Darren Bazeley and played almost the entire match before being substituted in the 90th minute.
Bazeley kept faith in Sarpreet till the closing stages as Iran fought back twice from a goal down to secure a 2-2 draw. Wearing the No. 10 jersey, Sarpreet had three shots on target, including one in the 61st minute that was saved by the Iran goalkeeper. He operated centrally in New Zealand’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
New Zealand face Egypt in their second Group G match on June 21 in Vancouver.
The Kiwis made a bright start and took the lead in the seventh minute. Chris Wood turned provider, setting up Elijah Just, who volleyed past Alireza Beiranvand from inside the penalty area.
Iran responded well and levelled in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian. The defender reacted quickest inside the six-yard box and poked the ball home from close range.
New Zealand regained the lead in the 54th minute through Just, who scored his second goal of the match. Wood was again the creator, and the Motherwell winger calmly lifted the ball over Beiranvand to restore his side’s advantage.
However, Iran responded again 10 minutes later. Mohammad Mohebbi met a cross at the back post and glanced a header into the net to make it 2-2.
Both teams continued to push for a winner, but neither side could find the decisive goal as the match ended level.
The result leaves Group G finely balanced after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw earlier on Monday.
– Ends
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