While neither nation is expected to go far in North America, or even progress from Group G, they are more than worthy of their places at this summer’s showpiece.
Iran were nothing short of superb in qualification, losing just once in 16 matches to reach a seventh World Cup and they will be hopeful of springing a surprise by reaching the knockout stage for the very first time.
Equally impressive in qualification were the All White as they won all five games, scoring 29 goals and conceding just once.
However, wins on the global stage have proven impossible for New Zealand in two…
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