Elijah Just
LW
Half-Space Orchestrator
May 1, 2000 (26)
Left
5'9"
150 lb
Finds the target versus Belgium
Just scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), two tackles (one won) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 5-1 defeat versus Belgium.
Analysis: Just was the only bright spot for his side, led it in attempts, and, after getting denied a couple of times, he managed to punch one through with a nice effort from the edge of the box, netting his third goal in the competition. He has tallied multiple shots, amassing seven (five on target), and at least one tackle, totaling six (three won), in all three World Cup appearances, adding one chance created, two crosses (zero accurate) and two interceptions over that span.
Two shots versus Egypt
Just generated two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-1 loss to Egypt.
Analysis: After scoring a brilliant brace in the opener versus Iran, Just came back down to earth in Sunday's loss. He fired off two shots within the first 20 minutes of the match but was unable to produce anything of note after that. Due to Egypt chasing the game following an early deficit, Just was forced into a more defensive role where he won four duels, one tackle and made one clearance. Despite his side conceded three second half goals. He was subbed off in the 85th minute for Francis de Vries. Just will need to be at his best for the final group stage match Friday versus Belgium where his country needs a win in order to advance to the knockouts.
Scores brace in 2-2 draw
Just scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 2-2 draw versus Iran.
Analysis: Just scored both goals for the team in the match. It was the first time in his 45-match long career for New Zealand where the 26-year-old scored a brace. With that performance, Just took his international goals tally to 11.
Set for left-wing role
Just has been named in New Zealand's World Cup squad and is expected to start on the left wing under coach Darren Bazeley, arriving at the tournament after one of the most productive seasons of his career with Motherwell.
Analysis: Just contributed seven goals and seven assists across 32 appearances this season, delivering an outstanding double-digit goal contribution that establishes him as one of the more dangerous wide attackers available to New Zealand at the tournament. His combination of pace, direct running and end product makes him a constant threat on the left flank, and his ability to both score and create gives New Zealand an unpredictable and exciting attacking option that could cause problems for any defensive unit. For the All Whites, Just is one of the key creative outlets in manager Darren Bazeley's system and the player most likely to provide the moments of individual quality needed to create genuine chances against higher-ranked opposition throughout the group stage.
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