Argentina's talisman missed his chance from the penalty spot as Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saved to his right.

It earned the Scandinavian side a precious point on their World Cup debut, following a valiant defensive performance at the Spartak Stadium.

The result was made more impressive by the fact Heimir Hallgrimsson's side came from behind following Sergio Aguero's vicious opener.

Alfred Finnbogason equalised four minutes later, and his side held to claim a memorable result against the two-time champions. 

Argentina

Willy Caballero (GK) - 5.5 

Looked unconvincing when punching crosses. Spectator for most of the second half.

Eduardo Salvio - 6.5

Threatened with a couple of forays forward on the right.

Marcos Rojo - 5

First-half error almost proved very costly. Looked vulnerable all game.

Nicolas Otamendi - 5.5

Struggled to cope with Iceland's aerial threat from set plays.

Nicolas Tagliafico - 6

Almost scored with an early header. Most of Argentina's attack's came on the opposite wing.

Javier Mascherano - 7.5

Regularly switched the play with some excellent long-range passes.

 

 

 

 

Lucas Biglia - 5.5

Made a few runs forward but was often thwarted by a pack of white shirts.

Maximiliano Meza - 6.5

Made a couple of threatening runs off the ball which were not found.

Angel Di María - 6

Provided a couple of crosses in the second half but was on the fringes for most of the game.

Lionel Messi - 7

Constantly looked for space and appeared his side's best route to goal. Poor penalty cost Argentina the win. 

Sergio Aguero – 7

Great finish and a few decent touches around the box. However, he was regularly smothered by the Icelandic defenders.

Subs

Ever Banega - 6 

Slightly more offensive than Biglia but still coundn't find a way through.

Cristian Pavon - 6.5

Forced a decent save from Halldorsson late on.

Gonzalo Higuain - N/A

Not enough time to give a fair rating.

Iceland

Hannes Halldorsson (GK) - 8

Denied Messi from the spot before making another vital save to deny Pavon.

Birkir Mar Saevarsson - 7

The right-back kept Di Maria quiet for most of the game.

Kari Arnason - 8 

Blocked everything that came into the Iceland box.

Ragnar Sigurdsson - 7.5 

Turned by Aguero for the goal but barely put a foot wrong after that.

Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson - 6

Was beaten a few times and conceded a clumsy penalty but got away with it.

Birkir Bjarnason - 5.5

Struggled at times with the overlapping Salvio but stuck to his task. Missed a great chance when the game was goalless

Emil Hallfredsson - 7

Screened the back four effectively throughout.

Aron Gunnarsson - 7.5

Ruffled a few feathers, throwing himself into tackles. Long throws were also affective.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson - 6 

Asked to do a lot of defending on the right of midfield. Forced off with an injury in the second half.

Gylfi Sigurdsson - 7.5

Regularly dropped back to help his midfield. Provided moment of quality for Iceland's equalizer.

Alfred Finnbogason – 7.5

Took his one chance and dominated in the air. 

Subs

Rurik Gislason - 5.5

Was pinned back as Argentina piled forward late on.

​Ari Freyr Skulason - 5.5

Provided some fresh legs late on.

Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson - N/A

Not enough time to give a fair rating.