top of page

Supp Four. 'Narrative'

  • Jun 17, 2018
  • 3 min read

The narrative surrounding Iceland since their shock run at the Euro's in France two years ago has been one dictated by their staunch defending and close-knit group work ethic. Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has kept that culture in the side from day one, and the group once again delivered a memorable performance when faced with yet another international powerhouse.

Argentina, a side currently far from delivering the lofty standards set as a precedent in the last three major tournaments looked once again in disarray - when Lionel Messi isn't at the races, it is a sure thing Argentina will not be. Unlike the other major players in the tournament, Argentina are the definition of a one man side; tactical chaos and an ever changing forward line looking to give the star any chance he can get without any wider collective plan. The Argentines were inherently disappointing, as they were in qualifying. Soaking up much of the ball in the early exchanges aside from the odd Icelandic break, the Argentine influence on the game only increased as they recycled possession to no avail. Chances were being created, but the group looked somewhat toothless in their movement as Iceland defended deeply and valiantly.

However, the possession was finally turned into something tangible when their dominance was solidified with a simply exquisite Sergio Aguero strike just 19 minutes into the tie. At that stage, it looked as if the South American's were going to run away with all three points - however just four minutes later, against the run of play, Augsberg forward Alfreð Finnbogason hit home after a series of lethal deliveries from the persistent Gylfi Sigurdsson, Iceland's answer to Lionel Messi. The game carried on in the same vein with Argentina's endless possession becoming more and more toothless; a natural consequence of playing two overtly defensive midfielders, one of whom is 34 year old Javier Mascherano - they were lacking incisiveness. This before Messi, who was dropping deeper by the minute almost playing as a Xavi-esque old fashioned Regista, placed a wonderful ball over the top to Independiante's Meza who was fouled in the box. Polish referee Marciniak awarded the penalty and Messi stepped up, only for Halldorsson to keep it out brilliantly; a rare flutter for Messi who suffered from being in such an unorganised side. The second half would be one way traffic, with the Icelandic group failing to record a single effort on goal against the Argentine’s sixteen but their defensive solidity held out and the nation has now recorded yet another historic point in their inaugural World Cup game. Sampaoli will have many questions to answer from an Argentinian perspective and the side must respond in order to make it out of such a tough group. Next up for them, Croatia on the 22nd.

Elsewhere in Group D, Croatia recorded a sound 2-0 victory over crowd favourites Nigeria; they now look in a strong position to make it out of the group, sitting a top with three points.

Group C saw France take on Australia in a turgid affair. A 58th minute Antoine Griezmann penalty was the first real notable occurrence in a game including more fouls and stoppages than passes. France looked disjointed somewhat, with Paul Pogba stepping up in creative nous alongside the ever hard working N’Golo Kante. Pogba’s 80’ goal sealed a win for France, something which had been doubtful after Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak converted a spot kick earlier in the half. It will prove an important win for the French but there are undoubtedly areas where huge improvement can be made. Perhaps putting Giroud up front would give them more of a spine, and the question still remains over what formation Deschamps will settle on. Denmark also beat Peru 1-0 with Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen scoring a goal to secure all three; Christian Cueva missed a penalty for Peru in a display full of attacking verve but lacking the last touch of quality. However, the 50,000 strong Peruvian supporter base on the ground in Russia will still have cause for optimism.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page