On paper, few matches in World Cup history will have been more of a mismatch than Argentina against Iceland.
This was David versus Goliath — and then some.
Not that you’d have noticed — any notion that the tiny island nation would be overawed by the occasion and their opponents was quickly dispelled, as they went toe-to-toe with Argentina from the first whistle.
Moments after Nicolás Tagliafico’s stooping header flashed inches wide of the post, one long ball over the top — in an instant exposing Argentina’s frailties — set Alfred Finnbogason free, but the forward couldn’t keep his volley down.
Argentina were then almost the masters of their own downfall, gifting Iceland the ball inside their own box in an attempt to play out from the back.
The ball eventually fell to Birkir Bjarnason, scorer of Iceland’s first ever goal in a major tournament two years ago in France, but the midfielder somehow skewed the ball wide with the goal gaping.
It wasn’t long before Lionel Messi came to the fore, using his customary shuffle inside and left-foot shot to test Hannes Thor Halldorsson in the Iceland goal.
But it was Sergio Aguero, previously without a World Cup goal in his eight appearances, who breathed life into Argentina’s campaign.
Marcos Rojo’s scuffed shot was controlled superbly by the Manchester City forward, who brilliantly wriggled free of his marker and slammed a shot into the roof of the net.
Cue coach Jorge Sampaoli’s trademark wild fist pumping on the touchline, this year swapping his normal casual attire for a sharp suit.
Anyone who had forgotten about Iceland’s exploits at Euro 2016 and thought that early goal meant it was game over were soon given a reminder of their fighting spirit.
With Argentina’s sloppy defense again exposed, Finnbogason pounced after a scramble in the box to coolly tuck the ball past Willy Caballero.
At halftime, despite having just 21% possession, Iceland had been more than a match for their famous rivals, even creating the best chances in the game.
But the match-changing moment came just after the hour mark. Iceland, having defended resolutely for so long, gave away a sloppy penalty as Hoerdur Magnusson clumsily tripped Aguero in the box.
Up stepped Messi, the man on whose shoulders Argentina have placed their hopes, and — not for the first time in his career — missed the crucial spot kick.
Halldorsson guessed the right way and comfortably palmed Messi’s penalty away from danger.
Iceland’s keeper isn’t just adept at keeping one of the world’s greatest players at bay.
Just two days before Iceland’s training camp started, Halldorsson was in Reykjavik doing some “sidework” — directing a soft drink commercial in his role as film director where he had previously forged a career.
Before the 90 minutes were up, Halldorsson’s lightning-quick reflexes were again called upon as he tipped Cristian Pavon’s effort round the post at full stretch.
For all their star power, Argentina were unable to find a way through Iceland’s sturdy defense. It’s the first time La Albiceleste have failed to win an opening World Cup game since they lost to Cameroon in 1990.
The good news for Messi et al is they still reached the final that year.
Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of the game came after the final whistle, or rather it was what didn’t come.
Despite this being their first World Cup, picking up their first ever World Cup point, there was no exuberant celebrations from Iceland, no joyous huddles.
This was just another game, they now feel like they belong here.
