Game 1 : Argentina v Iceland
Group D
Game 1: Argentina v Iceland
Otkrytie Arena, Moscow
Sat 16th June at 1400 BST
Result:
Argentina 1 (Agüero, 19’)
Iceland 1 (Finnbogason, 23’)
An enjoyable game that was much better than the France-Australia borefest earlier in the day!
First half
The first half was very good with decent chances for both sides. VAR was invoked twice in the first half, when Argentina thought they should have had penalties, both in quick succession, and twice it was a let off for Iceland as VAR replays showed neither was a penalty. The first penalty shout when Lucas Biglia fell like a sack of coal under the lightest of touches from Ragnar Sigurðsson (the namesake of one of my favourite TV characters, Ragnar ‘Lothbrok’ Sigurdsson of Vikings) and the second when Ragnar Sigurðsson was thought to have handled the ball in the area.
Half time 1-1, goals from Agüero and Finnbogason. Agüero’s was a cracker while Finnbogason’s was also decent and came after a bit of penalty-area pinball.
Second half
No changes at half time. Again good chances for both sides early on. Introduction of Banega early in half improved Argentina. Mostly Argentina possession for the majority of the second half.
64th min: Penalty to Argentina, Hordur Magnússon shoved over an Argentinian in the box and there was no need for VAR to decide that one, it was blatant. Penalty saved! Film director-goalkeeper Hannes Halldórsson gained immediate national hero status, saving from Lionel Messi. Messi didn’t miss that one, it was on target, it was a great save from the Iceland keeper. Halldórsson also made a great save to deny Argentina later in the half.
Full time 1-1
An entertaining game and a huge well done to Iceland and, as an England fan, I feel a bit better about that result in Euro 2016! Lionel Messi wasn’t at his best but Iceland played well and didn’t ‘park the bus’; according to the stats Argentina had 78% of the possession but, as we Saints fans know well, having the lion’s share of the possession does not necessarily mean coming out on top. I can now see Iceland qualifying from the group if they pull the same trick on Croatia or Nigeria - I can see them beating one of those sides. Iceland certainly weren’t scared of Argentina and Argentina didn’t have it their own way, especially with their dodgy defending and with Messi not at his best.
Iceland aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective. Take note England…
Argentina need to sort their shaky defending or they’re not going to progress as far as they should or expect to. This could get very Messi.
Game 1: Argentina v Iceland
Otkrytie Arena, Moscow
Sat 16th June at 1400 BST
Result:
Argentina 1 (Agüero, 19’)
Iceland 1 (Finnbogason, 23’)
An enjoyable game that was much better than the France-Australia borefest earlier in the day!
First half
The first half was very good with decent chances for both sides. VAR was invoked twice in the first half, when Argentina thought they should have had penalties, both in quick succession, and twice it was a let off for Iceland as VAR replays showed neither was a penalty. The first penalty shout when Lucas Biglia fell like a sack of coal under the lightest of touches from Ragnar Sigurðsson (the namesake of one of my favourite TV characters, Ragnar ‘Lothbrok’ Sigurdsson of Vikings) and the second when Ragnar Sigurðsson was thought to have handled the ball in the area.
Half time 1-1, goals from Agüero and Finnbogason. Agüero’s was a cracker while Finnbogason’s was also decent and came after a bit of penalty-area pinball.
Second half
No changes at half time. Again good chances for both sides early on. Introduction of Banega early in half improved Argentina. Mostly Argentina possession for the majority of the second half.
64th min: Penalty to Argentina, Hordur Magnússon shoved over an Argentinian in the box and there was no need for VAR to decide that one, it was blatant. Penalty saved! Film director-goalkeeper Hannes Halldórsson gained immediate national hero status, saving from Lionel Messi. Messi didn’t miss that one, it was on target, it was a great save from the Iceland keeper. Halldórsson also made a great save to deny Argentina later in the half.
Full time 1-1
An entertaining game and a huge well done to Iceland and, as an England fan, I feel a bit better about that result in Euro 2016! Lionel Messi wasn’t at his best but Iceland played well and didn’t ‘park the bus’; according to the stats Argentina had 78% of the possession but, as we Saints fans know well, having the lion’s share of the possession does not necessarily mean coming out on top. I can now see Iceland qualifying from the group if they pull the same trick on Croatia or Nigeria - I can see them beating one of those sides. Iceland certainly weren’t scared of Argentina and Argentina didn’t have it their own way, especially with their dodgy defending and with Messi not at his best.
Iceland aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective. Take note England…
Argentina need to sort their shaky defending or they’re not going to progress as far as they should or expect to. This could get very Messi.
