Iceland player ratings v Argentina as goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson is a nailed on 9 following his heroics

Matt Jones - Editor 19:59 16/06/2018
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  • Iceland battled manfully to hold mighty Argentina to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener, as Lionel Messi missed 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.

    Here we rate the Iceland players:

    ICELAND (4-4-1-1)

    Hannes Halldorsson – 9:

    Middle name is Thor and he had a thunderous day between the Iceland sticks, palming away Messi’s tame spot-kick and getting a fine hand to Pavon’s teasing effort.

    Birkir Saevarsson – 8:

    The fact he plays in his homeland and was up against Angel Di Maria may have filled him with dread. Had a busy day but coped manfully.

    Kari Arnason – 7:

    It’s helpful for Iceland that their two centre-backs are beyond 30 and vastly experienced. He and colleague Sigurdsson leaned on one another.

    Ragnar Sigurdsson – 8:

    In the face of a dangerous attacking threat, Iceland needed composure at the back. Led his side like a warrior, typified by a brilliant sliding block to deny Banega.

    Hordur Magnusson – 8:

    Survived a first-half handball appeal but not a second, for a clumsy foul on Aguero. Was otherwise excellent. Forced the save from Caballero that led to the equaliser.

    Johann Berg Gudmundsson – 6:

    Gave his all for the cause and only left the field when injury forced him to do so just after the hour mark.

    Aron Gunnarsson – 6:

    Many may have worried about his stamina dealing with a dangerous Argentina attack, but stood up to the task well.

    Emil Hallfredsson – 6:

    A fearsome sight with the strking bald head. Kept his head in a focused and calm performance.

    Birkir Bjarnason – 7:

    Sports the flowing locks of a Norse god and flowed forward at every opportunity as well as being focused, linking well with Sigurdsson.

    Gylfi Sigurdsson – 7:

    The creative spark for a side lacking much of it. Worked well with Bjarnason as Iceland perhaps saw more of the Argentina half than they thought they would.

    Alfred Finnbogason – 8:

    Enjoyed the distinction of netting Iceland’s first goal at a World Cup, a moment he’ll not soon forget. Worked tirelessly.

    SUBS:

    Rurik Gislason – 6:

    Replaced the injured Gudmundsson and slotted straight in as a cog in the industrious Iceland machine.

    Ari Skulason – 6:

    Replaced the tiring captain as the ranks were replenished.

    Bjorn Sigurdsson N/A:

    Late legs for a tiring Iceland that had worked so hard.

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