Iceland Thwart Argentina on World Cup Debut
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The action at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium got off to a thrilling start with the match between FIFA World Cup veterans Argentina and debuntants Iceland.
Despite stamping their authority on the game’s opening stages, La Albiceleste struggled to find space against a deep-lying Icelandic defense.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Sergio Aguero fired the ball home on the turn to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
The South Americans’ joy was short-lived, however, as Alfred Finnbogason made history by scoring his country’s first-ever World Cup goal just four minutes later.
Lionel Messi had the biggest opportunity to take the lead in the second half, but his penalty was saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.
Although Argentina continued to press for a goal, they were repeatedly denied by the Nordic side’s staunch defensive efforts.
