Argentina started so bad their 2018 World Cup Group D battle. Lionel Messi’s first act in the opening World Cup was to miss a second-half penalty as Argentina 1-1 draw to Iceland on Saturday night in Moscow.
However, the Albiceleste, in legs of entry, had started well their match. And Sergio Aguero in 19th minute took advantage of a miss from Marcos Rojo to shoot Iceland goalkeeper Halldorsson.
But Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side have shown responsiveness right away. And Alfred Finnbogason equalized in stride after a missed shot by Bjarnason in 24th minute.
The rest of the game was a real frustration for the Argentines. Dominated in the game, Barcelona’s Messi and his teammates have failed to be dangerous approaching the Iceland post. Blame it on a valiant and well-grouped defense, which left no space for Jorge Sampaoli’s side.
“It’s tough. That’s the way I feel right now. It’s a huge sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important.” Messi said.
“Iceland practically did nothing. All they did was defended and attack with nothing but long throw-ins. I think we deserve to win the game, but there are some positives that we can take beyond result.
“We leave with a feeling of bitterness and anger. I feel responsible for not being able to take the three points. With the penalty we could have done. We really felt we were in a complicated group and we knew it would be a difficult game.
“Physically Iceland are very strong, but now we must only think about what is ahead. We must rest, prepare well, and not waste any more time thinking about this game.” Messi added.
Argentina will take on group leader Croatia on Thursday night. (Source:www.sportsmaza.com)
Messi had also missed Argentina’s first penalty as they lost the final of the 2016 Copa America on a penalty shoot against Chile.
Argentina might even have been surprised at some of the hardships led by Iceland. Favorite of their group, they are already under pressure after Croatia beat 2-0 over Nigeria, thanks to an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and a penalty from Luka Modric.
Croatia is currently sitting on the top of Group D with 3 points, 2 points ahead of Argentina and Iceland. In the next game Messi and his teammates will take one group leaders Croatia on this Thursday night.
