New Zealand hit with injury blow as midfielder Garbett ruled out for remainder of WC
Los Angeles, June 16
New Zealand have suffered an early setback at the World Cup, with midfielder Matt Garbett ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury in training ahead of the team's Group G opener against Iran.
Auckland FC forward Logan Rogerson has been drafted in as his replacement. Garbett, who plays for Peterborough United F.C. in England, was forced to withdraw before New Zealand's 2-2 draw with Iran on Monday.
"The whole squad's thoughts are with Matt at this time, and we are gutted he won't be able to play in the tournament," New Zealand Football said in a social media post as per Reuters.
"Matty's a good mate of mine, and I am really gutted for him," Rogerson said in an Auckland statement. "It's a weird feeling to be honest, slightly conflicted as I am also buzzing to get out there and meet up with the team."
Iran secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Tuesday. New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being picked out by captain Chris Wood.
Iran responded in the 32nd minute, with Ramin Rezaeian poking the ball in from close range to spark celebrations among the largely pro-Iran crowd at a packed stadium in Los Angeles.
Just the 26-year-old winger, who plays for Motherwell F.C., restored New Zealand's advantage in the 54th minute.
Once again set up by Wood, he calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to score his second goal of the match.
But Iran hit back again 10 minutes later, Mohammad Mohebbi glancing a header in off the back post to equalise again.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tough break for New Zealand. Garbett has been a key player in midfield for them. But Logan Rogerson coming in is a solid move – he knows the squad well. As an Irish fan, I'm just enjoying the World Cup drama! Iran's spirit to come back twice is impressive. World Cup football never disappoints.
As a cricket-loving Indian, I don't follow football much, but this story caught my eye! 2-2 draw is always a thriller. Injuries are part of sports, but it's sad to see a player miss out on the World Cup. Hope Garbett recovers soon. Also, Iran's fans in LA – that must have been electric! 🏏⚽
Good to see New Zealand sports news getting coverage in India! 🇮🇳 This match sounds intense – two comebacks by Iran shows their never-say-die attitude. And Rogerson's words are so honest and humble. 'Conflicted' but 'buzzing' – that's the spirit of a true team player. Best of luck to both sides for the rest of the tournament!
Poor Matt Garbett – training injuries are the worst. But kudos to New Zealand for being so quick to bring in a replacement. And what a match! Elijah Just with two goals is the breakout star here. Iran's resilience is commendable – they'll be a tough team to beat. Football is truly a global sport. 🌍⚽
This is why squad depth is so important in World Cups. One
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