Argentina 1 Iceland 1: Lionel Messi penalty miss sees Group D minnows seal first ever World Cup point

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Argentina star Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved as Iceland held on for a point in their World Cup opener.

The South Americans were on top in the early staged and made the breakthrough after less than 20 minutes as Sergio Aguero controlled Marcos Rojo's cross to hammer home from the edge of the box.

Aguero spun his defender near the penalty spot to create enough space to beat goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson to his right. The 19th-minute goal was the first serious threat from the Argentine attack, which has seen Lionel Messi force a pair of straightforward saves from Haldorsson but not much else.

Their lead did not last long though as Alfred Finnbogason buried a rebound after a goalmouth scramble to bring Iceland level.

REUTERS

Iceland is the least populous nation ever to play in the World Cup, the entire country's population is only about seven times bigger than the stadium's capacity, and their fans were vastly outnumbered inside.

The minnows were undaunted by the strength of their opponents, however, and enjoyed the best chance - a Gylfi Sigurdsson volley which Willy Caballero palmed away - before the break.

REUTERS

Argentina came out in the second half with a renewned purpose but struggled to break down the Iceland defence.

Another breakthrough looked to have been made when Aguero went down in the area under pressure from Hordur Magnusson. Lionel Messi stepped up but his poor effort was well saved by Hannes Halldorsson.

Argentina brought on Gonzalo Higuain to boost their attacking options but to little avail as Iceland held on for their first ever point in their first ever World Cup game.

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