New Zealand midfielder Matthew Garrett will miss the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury during training on the eve of his nation's opening Group G match against Iran on 16 June. Garrett was expected to start but his withdrawal forced an urgent call-up for replacement Logan Rogerson.
"This was just an unfortunate accident," Garrett said after watching from the stands as New Zealand drew 2–2 with Iran. "When it happened, I immediately understood my World Cup was over."
The midfielder, with his parents in attendance, described the emotional toll. "My parents are here and seeing them cry, being excluded from a World Cup is very hard to go through. The last 48 hours have been very emotional," he said, noting it was his first serious muscular injury.
Betting markets on New Zealand's Group G progression and midfield strength may shift given the loss of a starting midfielder for the tournament.