Tiny Iceland made a stunning first-ever World Cup appearance on Saturday when it held 2014 runner-up Argentina to a 1-1 draw in a dramatic match where Lionel Messi blew his chance to win it when he had a penalty saved by Hannes Por Halldorsson.
Sergio Aguero had given the twice world champion the lead after 19 minutes of the Group D match. However, Iceland showed exactly the same commitment and self-belief to hit back four minutes later through Alfred Finnbogason.
Argentina, playing in all-black in the Spartak Stadium, eventually took command and delivered wave after wave of attacks in the second half. But it actually created few chances either side of Messi’s poorly-struck 64th-minute penalty.
Iceland famously beat England in the last 16 of Euro 2016 and again inspired by its “thunderclapping” fans ran tirelessly and fought for everything.
“I hope it is going to prove important to us to reach our goal to qualify,” Halldorsson said of the penalty save.
“I think the Argentinians felt a bit frustrated that they weren't getting through and it was important we equalised so quickly. I guess our game plan worked almost perfectly.”
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said: “We need to find more variety of options going forward. It's a very competitive group.
“The circumstances around the missed penalty and that led to Leo's mistake, that's just another statistic, it's part of the past... football is like that. We need to be strong as a group, believe in ourselves and know we have all the tools to beat anybody.”
Iceland signalled its intent from the kick off, sending seven men charging into the box to challenge as the ball was pumped long and it proved to be just the first of many uncomfortable moments for a decidedly shaky Argentine defence.
The South Americans looked more assured in attack, though, and went ahead when Aguero turned tightly in the box and smashed in an unstoppable shot.
Iceland, however, is not a team to sit back and sulk and soon forced an equaliser when goalkeeper Willy Caballero palmed Gylfi Sigurdsson’s low shot straight into the path of Finnbogason to sweep into the unguarded net.
After Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in Portugal’s 3-3 draw with Spain on Friday, all eyes were on Messi to respond but he got little joy from the rugged but controlled Iceland defenders.
The great man was given the ultimate opportunity after Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson got entangled with Aguero in the box, only for Halldorsson to fly to his right and palm the penalty clear.
Iceland then defended superbly, almost fanatically, and when substitute Cristian Pavon did break through in the dying moments, Halldorsson made another fantastic full-length save to touch his shot clear. Iceland's players then rushed to the stands to share their celebrations with their fans.
Argentina 1 (Aguero 19) drew with Iceland (Finnbogason 23)
