Shoja Khalilzadeh

Makes four clearances in draw

Khalilzadeh made four clearances, won one tackle, and made one interception in Monday's 2-2 draw with New Zealand. He also committed two fouls in the match.

Analysis: The 37-year-old centerback's experience, defensive organization, and resilience were important factors in Iran earning a valuable point from their World Cup opener. Khalilzadeh was consistently battling for loose balls and stepping forward to break up attacks before they developed into more dangerous situations. His physical presence was particularly valuable when dealing with crosses and set pieces, areas where New Zealand looked to capitalize. He'll look to anchor the back line against Belgium on Sunday, June 21.