Argentina player ratings v Iceland as Lionel Messi struggles to a 6, but Sergio Aguero soars to an 8

Matt Jones - Editor 19:16 16/06/2018
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  • Lionel Messi missed a golden opportunity to win the game for Argentina.

    Argentina struggled to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener with Iceland, Lionel Messi missing a second-half penalty that proved pivotal to the outcome.

    The South American supremos were ahead early on when Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero swiveled and rifled a rocket into the top corner, but the lead didn’t last long as Iceland’s Alfred Finnbogason achieved iconic status as the scorer of their maiden World Cup goal.

    The mercurial Messi had the chance to give his side a 2-1 advantage but tamely struck a 64th minute penalty which goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson palmed away. And the tiny island nation held on to a massive result.

    Here we rate the Argentina players:

    ARGENTINA (4-2-3-1)

    Willy Caballero – 5:

    Had a shaky afternoon, including palming Hordur Magnusson’s shot into the path of Finnbogason for Iceland’s equaliser.

    Eduardo Salvio – 7:

    Inexperienced at international level but was a constant source of creation down Argentina’s right, always an option for the midfield.

    Nicolas Otamendi – 7:

    Has improved greatly under Pep Guardiola at club level and that is reflected for his country too. Solid, committed and clever in possession.

    Marcos Rojo – 5:

    Cross/shot led to Aguero’s stunning opener but otherwise looked vulnerable and was culpable for Iceland’s leveller.

    Nicolas Tagliafico – 6:

    The Ajax man was winning his just his fifth cap, but appears comfortable at the elite level.

    Javier Mascherano – 5:

    A player whose hallmark has been his bite and tenacity, but time is catching up with the 34-year-old who was overrun in midfield.

    Lucas Biglia – 5:

    A severe back injury had threatened his World Cup preparations. Therefore it was a surprise to see him start, especially when taken off just after half-time.

    Maximiliano Meza – 7:

    The ingenuity of the Independiente midfielder was preferred to Juventus pivot Paulo Dybala and he flourished as Di Maria on the opposite flank floundered.

    Lionel Messi – 6:

    Missed penalty was remarkably the 24th of his career. A blight on an otherwise bright performance – but too often had to drop deep to spark attacks.

    Angel Di Maria – 4:

    Was expected to have his way with an inferior Iceland defence. Had no impact on the game whatsoever.

    Sergio Aguero – 8:

    Preferred to Gonzalo Higuain as Argentina’s spearhead and pierced through their icy resolve with his first World Cup goal.

     

    SUBS:

    Ever Banega – 7:

    Instantly added fizz to a side that had been frustrated going forward in the first half.

    Cristian Pavon – 7:

    Replaced the ineffective Di Maria. Should have won Argentina a second penalty; had a fine shot pushed away by Halldorsson.

    Gonzalo Higuain N/A:

    Got a cameo after his starting place had been bequeathed to Aguero.

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