New Zealand’s World Cup goalscoring hero has Chinese mother, makes history for Motherwell
Well-traveled Elijah Just has played more than 30 times for the All Whites and currently plies his trade in the Scottish league
New Zealand football fans have a new hero after a player with Chinese heritage made history at the World Cup.
Elijah Just became the first All Whites footballer to score twice for the country in the World Cup in the 2-2 draw with Iran in Group G.
Just, who has a Chinese mother and German father, was born in Palmerston North on the North Island of New Zealand. Currently playing in Scotland, Just also became the first Motherwell player to score in the tournament on Tuesday.
For the opening goal, Just volleyed home from inside the box after being set up by Chris Wood. In the politically charged match and fraught atmosphere at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the goal was celebrated by some fans critical of the Iranian government, while some also booed Iran’s national anthem before kick-off.
After Iran equalised, New Zealand took the lead again when Wood and Just combined again early in the second half, the New Zealand captain sliding a precise pass to the winger, who hammered home.
“I think we showed today that we’re a dangerous team,” Just said. “You can’t be disappointed. A point in the World Cup is always tough to get.”