Iran put their turbulent build-up to the World Cup behind them as they came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in what was arguably the game of the tournament so far.
A World Cup had never kicked off with a host at war with a participant before.
Iran have faced the threat of being unable to take their place at the tournament ever since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign in February, been forced to change training venue from the US to Mexico to combat visa issues, and still had 11 non-playing officials blocked from entering the US for the team's matches.
'Lion and Sun' flags - the emblem of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution - were in evidence within the stadium despite FIFA's efforts to ban them and there was .
However, overwhelmingly, the fans had decided the team were not the regime, and roared them on from the outset.
After a bright start from Iran, New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute after Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood held the ball up well and combined with Motherwell forward Elijah Just, who steered a volley past goalkeeper Alireza Behranvand.
Iran responded well as Ramin Rezaeian found an equaliser but Just grabbed his second of the game 10 minutes into the second half, combining with Wood again before rounding off a flowing team move to put New Zealand on course for a first World Cup win.
However, Iran hit back again. Rezaeian swung in a cross from the right and Mohammad Mohebbi guided a header in off the post to secure a draw that leaves all four teams in Group G on one point following
Protestors gathered outside Sofi Stadium, calling for change in Tehran ahead of Iran's first game at the World Cup.
Iran's anthem was jeered by some sections of the crowd in LA.
7: GOAL! Just's strike gave New Zealand lead against the run of play.
32: GOAL! Rezaeian brought Iran level as the first hydration break broke New Zealand's momentum.
54: GOAL!: Just combined with Wood for a second time to give New Zealand the lead again.
Your Site' Oliver Yew:
Motherwell's Just will take all the headlines after his stunning double but there's no doubt Nottingham Forest striker Wood is key to any hope New Zealand might have of progressing out of Group G.
Wood was a physical threat from the word go and Iran couldn't cope.
The 34-year-old won nearly every ball played up to him and his hold-up play was exceptional as he grabbed assists for both of Just's goals.
With tougher assignments to come against Belgium and Egypt, the draw in LA may give both sides a feeling of what might have been if their bids to reach the knockout stages fail, but for New Zealand, focal point Wood has to keep delivering on the big stage.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley said his side are going to be hurting after missing out on the chance to create history with their first win at a World Cup finals.
"I am extremely proud of the players and performance," he said. "We were really good in possession and created a lot.
"We've come off disappointed not to win. We scored two really good goals and it's going to hurt because we had a chance to make history."
"I am so proud though."
Goalscorer Just added: "It's really special. We had a lot of goals coming in and the first was to get on the board, so one point is OK and there are a lot of positives to build on.
"Scoring once is something that I couldn't have dreamed of and two [goals] is just amazing."
