FIFA World Cup 2018: Argentina vs Iceland, five Talking points

Argentina has the best players in the world, with the like of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain they are not short of any talent. while their young players include Paulo Dybala, Christain Pavon, Giovani Lo Celso and the list go on. Argentina has a solid attacking team which can score against any defense. In the first match of Group D, Argentina was held by first-time qualifiers Iceland.

Messi misses in the opening match

The Argentine wizard Lionel Messi could not cast his spell in the opening match of Group D against Iceland. The Nordic country held Argentina on 1-1 scoreline. The match was about Messi starting his 4th attempt to reach the summit of world cup championship. It was supposed to be an easy win for Argentina against Iceland with the list of attacking quality they have in the team. When the score was 1-1 Messi had the chances to give Argentina the lead on the 62nd minutes from a penalty. Messi could not convert the chance as his shot was saved by the Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson.

Argentina’s could not utilize the 78 percent possession

Throughout the match, Argentina had a large share of possession but they failed to utilize possession. Argentina had 78 percent of possession which shows that they had the ball while Iceland was chasing the ball. Argentina tried all the tricks to create chances, but they were denied by Hannes Thor Halldorsson.

Iceland continues to impress

Iceland shocked everyone in Euro 2016 when they defeated England in Pre-quarterfinal. The first time world cup qualifiers continued where they ended their Euro Cup campaign. They played as a unit, defending Argentina’s every attack. While Argentina kept most of the ball possession, Iceland kept their calm throughout the match. In the match, Vikings showed they have all the qualities to get through next round.  

Argentina lacked flair and creativity

Argentina has lots of talents in the forward line, and the fact that Gonzalo Higuain stayed on the benched says a lot about it. Paulo Dybala did not get his chance to be on the pitch. Argentina has talents there is no doubt about that but those talents did not shine in the crucial moments in the match. Argentina's Coach Jorge Sampaoli could not make most of the talents he has in the match. If Messi and co. wants to keep their hopes of winning World Cup alive they need to deliver in every match.

Iceland stops Messi from scoring

Lionel Messi is one of greatest player who played the sports, but in the first match of Group D, Iceland continuously denied Messi a goal. They kept Messi under check with Iceland players surrounding Messi everywhere whenever he got the ball. Messi missed a penalty, could not convert free-kicks into goals. Iceland started their world campaign by stopping one of the lethal attacks of football world from scoring goals. Iceland has lots of positive points to take from the match which will help them in the upcoming matches.