Premiership star prepares for Iran meeting as World Cup focus outlined amid political backdrop

The playmaker is part of the All Whites’ squad for America, Canada and Mexico, after playing a key role in the Fir Park club’s fourth placed Premiership finish and progress to European qualifiers under manager Jens Berthel Askou, who has since departed for Ligue 1 side Toulouse. New Zealand were last at the World Cup in 2010 but their opener comes against Iran in California amid their opponents’ recent hostilities with the USA.

President Donald Trump warned Iran’s national team against participation ‘for their own life and safety’ in March but they will play out their Group G fixtures versus Belgium, Egypt and Just’s New Zealand. It’s something the Motherwell star is aware of but a fast start in the four-team section is all his side are able to take care of.

Will Iran play at the World Cup?

“I wouldn't say it's on my mind but obviously it's there,” the 26-year-old explained. “As players, you just have to focus on the game. We do understand that for them there are other things going on that are far bigger than football. There's been a little bit of unknown around if they're going to be there and in what capacity. From what we've been told, they're going to be there, they're going to play, so that's who we're preparing for.

“At the same time, I think if you look at the way the group is, we know that the other teams are going to be looking at us like that has to be three points. Then we're also looking at that first game, that we need to start fast. We need to get some points early to build momentum. We want to get out of the group so it's a really important game.”

Like Scotland, New Zealand have never made it past the groups, but chances increase in this expanded tournament as only those who finish bottom are categorically out at the opening stage. Reaching the unknowns of the knockout rounds is something Just has in mind.

Elijah Just on World Cup with New Zealand

“Getting there is great, but you want to make an impact,” he explained. “We want to be the first New Zealand team to progress. If we do manage to get out of the group, then of course it's football, anything can happen. You start going to the direct knockout and it’s really exciting. The fact that we played all the way up until May 17 at Motherwell was good to stay fit and to keep playing.”

Back at Fir Park, amid the hunt for a new manager, Conference League second round qualifiers begin on July 23. Pre-season will start in advance of that, but the turnaround from World Cup to club football will be tight for Just, as New Zealand’s final group game against Belgium is in the early hours of June 27. He insists there will be plenty of time to rest before domestic action begins again.

“I don't know the exact day I get back,” added Just. “I'm not sure when the final's being played but hopefully I'm still involved then! But yeah, I think there will be plenty of time to come back and maybe have a little bit of a rest before the season starts up again.”

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