Editorial (June 17, 2018) – Matchday 1 of Group D is in the books. In their first ever World Cup match, Iceland got a well-earned point in a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi and Argentina. On the other side, Croatia got a 2-0 win over Nigeria.
Aron Gunnarsson, Iceland resolve trump Lionel Messi, ho-hum Argentina
Poor planning vs. great execution:
Argentina dominated the match by several statistics. The out-possessed the Viking nation with 73% of the ball and outshot them 26-9 (7-3 on goal). Numbers never lie, but they don’t always tell the full story.
For all the chances and possession Argentina had, they didn’t have much possession with a purpose. Iceland was organized from back to front and suffocated Argentina on the ball in the final third. Hannes Halldórsson had to make six saves in this game, but most of them were predictable.
Messi didn’t have the supporting cast effort to get a win in this match. The ball movement was too slow. There was no urgency or any change tactically to adjust to the opponent. Jorge Sampaoli chose to play with two holding midfielders and without a designated striker partner for Messi up top.
The entire game plan for Argentina seemed to be pass the ball around the back, get the ball to Messi just outside the box, and stand around while he does all the work. Aron Gunnarsson and Iceland’s resolute defense ate it up all day.
Endearing underdogs:
Unlike the Euros two summers ago, Iceland isn’t sneaking up on anyone at this World Cup. They’re not the most talented nation at this World Cup, but they are a group and a coaching staff that know their strengths and are very close. Combined with a rabid fanbase and players who’ve gradually worked their way into higher levels of club competition, they’re able to punch above their weight.
And go toe-to-toe with Argentina they did. Iceland have all the best qualities that make for a minnow capable of slaying a giant: They defend well, make very few mistakes, pick their moments to go forward, and are clinical with the few chances they get. The players and staff manage scorelines and results well. All of this was on display in this match.
Other than the goal by Sergio Aguero and Messi PK (that was stopped by Halldórsson), one never really thought Argentina were going to score. There was never a sense that Argentina would inevitably take the lead and win the game. Iceland knew what they wanted and manifested it with a Viking will and togetherness.
I think this is part of why they’re such a popular choice for neutrals in this World Cup, particularly Americans.
Defeated already?
Lionel Messi’s post-game actions said it all. He dribbled towards the center circle as the whistle for full time blew. He kicked the ball in the air, ripped off the Captain’s armband, and stood at midfield, reluctantly shaking hands with teammates and opponents, soaking in the moment and looking down in disgust.
And he did all this after the rest of his team performed poorly. He performed poorly. Even if you take away the PK miss, it wasn’t a great game for Messi.
And all of this happened the day after his foil/biggest rival Cristiano Ronaldo balled out, scoring a hattrick against Spain.
Argentina seems much weaker than they were two years ago in the Copa America. Messi’s supporting cast is weaker. Some key players are older. The coaching seems worse, in both squad selection and tactics. The weight of Argentina’s success or failure seems as much as every a weight on Messi’s shoulder with no one around him to help.
The look on his face post-game was early similar to that of the Copa America in 2016 and the 2014 World Cup final against Germany. In that locker room, in the back of everyone’s mind, doubt may be setting in that inevitably this tournament will end in disappointment just like all the others.
