Argentina 1-1 Iceland: Vikings Pull Through Against the Argentines3 min read

The first World Cup Iceland is playing in is against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

In the second minute, Argentina earned a free kick and Messi crossed it where Nicolas Otamendi almost guided a header if he had better contact.

7^th minute, Argentina gained another freekick similar position to the first but on the other side and once again a better touch would have guided the ball in.

A clear chance by Birkir Bjarnason sent it wide on the 9^th minute. Argentina defence looked vulnerable.

GOAL – Sergio Aguero –  19^th Minute – Argentina 1-0 Iceland

Aguero beautifully controlled a driven pass into the box, turned and shot into the top right corner.

GOAL – Alfred Finnbogason – 23^rd Minute – Argentina 1-1 Iceland

Iceland levelled in the 23^rd minute after the Argentina defence failed to clear a cross by Gylfi Sigurdsson and Finnbogason side footed through the legs of Otamendi in front of goal.

History in the making, as it is Iceland first World Cup goal.

30^th minute the referee accidently clipped Aron Gunnarsson leg.

Penalty Shout – 41^st minute a penalty shout by Argentina when Ragnar Sigurdsson slid in to intercept Lucas Biglia but clearly hit his hand in the follow through, but the referee rightfully gave a corner because it is ball to hand.

44^th minute Ragnar Sigurdsson hit the target inside the box but Willy Caballero pushed it away which led to a penalty appeal to Iceland – rejected by the referee.

Half-time

Argentina played with a lot of possession while Iceland rather played long ball, but one thing is certain so far Iceland will not give Messi much freedom to play.

Second Half begins

No changes and the game plan seem to be the same for both teams.

First corner of the second half at the 47^th minute and Argentina’s 6th corner of the game. Otamendi headered the ball way over the goal.

Argentina’s defence once again looked vulnerable where Iceland could have scored.

First change of the game Biliga for Ever Banega in the midfield.

PENALTY 64^th minute – Messi crossed the ball into the box and Hordur Magnusson gave away an easy penalty.

SAVED – Hannes Halldorsson saved Messi penalty to the right-hand side and the crowd went wild.

76^th minute-  Another penalty appeal for Argentina but the referee ruled it out as a simulation by Cristian Pavon.

78^th minute Messi got in behind the defence but could not control the ball, another corner to Argentina that provided no threat for the keeper.

81^st minute – Messi shot wide from outside the box.

Gonazalo Higuanin is finally subbed on in the closing stages of the game.

86^th minute – another save by Halldorsson in front of dozens of bodies.

In extra time Messi shot wide once again. It’s not his game today.

94^th minute and possibly the final chance for Argentina to collect all 3 points with Messi over the kick.

But hit the wall.

Second Half Ends – Argentina 1-1 Iceland

Argentina had 78% ball passion and 26 shots with 7 on target but failed to win with Iceland playing defensive football against a lethal attack.

The biggest problem in the game is Messi playing in a number 10 role and starting from the deep inside his halfwhich played into Iceland hands.