Argentina v Iceland, 16th June, 2pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

This one should make for interesting viewing. Messi v the surprise package at the 2016 Euros.

Messi retired after the 2016 Copa America, but returned and helped the Argentinians to this world cup. He was brilliant in the group stages in 2014, but failed to score in the knockout stages, save for a shootout penalty in the semi-final. Like Portugal, they have a bucket load of talent in Aguero, Higuain, Di Maria, Banega, Otamendi etc. They should go far, but will they? Their keeping situation is also in question, after Sergio Romero suffered a knee injury and won't be going. That means they have a choice of 3 keepers who have 6 caps between them.

As for Iceland, can they repeat the magic of 2016, or is their card now marked? They are undoubtedly riding their golden generation of talent, but the fitness concerns over Gylfi Sigurdsson must be very worrying. Even if he does return, he won't be fit, having not played a competitive game since early March. They'll have to rely on the likes of Finnbogason, Bjarnason and Gudmundsson if Sigurdsson isn't able to play.

Looking forward to seeing how Iceland do in their first World Cup. Hopefully they can pull off another upset and take something off Argentina.

All match chat in here.

 

[Benji]

Great by Aguero, the guy is a brilliant finisher.

 

[SALTIRE]

And Iceland equalise. Good game.

 

[Chris FGR]

Why hasn't Messi scored yet?

Have Iceland done the Motherwell chant yet?

 

[Benji]

Iceland play how every fan of a smaller nation wants their team to play.

 

[SALTIRE]

Iceland play how every fan of a smaller nation wants their team to play.

Yep, I'd love Scotland to be half as good as what they do. And population is no excuse for that one unlike what some would say.

 

[Chris FGR]

Yep, I'd love Scotland to be half as good as what they do. And population is no excuse for that one unlike what some would say.

But Scotland players are all too small and weak to be able to play like that, according to wee Gordon (big Gordon if you're Scottish).

 

[SALTIRE]

(big Gordon if you're Scottish)

Hoy I'm taller than Goagsie (though not by much! )

 

[Libertadores FC]

I said in the box that when a team has a lot of posession, the game is quite boring to me unless there is goals. This is an exception for me, I've actually enjoyed this. I'm always intrigued at what errors Argentina are going to make at the back.

Sampaoli has got it all wrong. From starting Caballero over Franco Armani, to using Biglia and Mascherano in midfield, to making sure Messi is the engine of the team playing him as deep as possible - not to mention the fact he's man marked by 3 players with no support leaving him no option to sideways pass.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Iceland have actually had more chances so far due to Argentina’s build-up play being too slow.
Loving Patrice Evra’s shirt and waistcoat combo.

 

[Chris FGR]

This is not an easy group, if Argentina don't improve they will struggle to qualify.

 

[Chris FGR]

Oh dear Messi. Ronaldo would have scored that.....

 

[Libertadores FC]

This is not an easy group, if Argentina don't improve they will struggle to qualify.

Nah, all 4 teams in this group are wank.

 

[Chris FGR]

Nah, all 4 teams in this group are wank.

Croatia?

 

[Libertadores FC]

Croatia?

Wank. We played them back in March and it was a piss easy win. Also finished behind Iceland in qualifying and went out in the last World Cup groups to one of the worst Mexico teams in my life.

They have good players but no work ethic. One of the most overrated teams on the planet.

Iceland are poor but they have a good model for what they have. It works. They'll top this group.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Messi never gives off a belief that he’s going to score a penalty. Ronaldo last night you knew he’d score, but Messi doesn’t give you confidence. Terrible penalty.

 

[Chris FGR]

Messi never gives off a belief that he’s going to score a penalty. Ronaldo last night you knew he’d score, but Messi doesn’t give you confidence. Terrible penalty.

Agreed. Weird isn't it?

It surely can't be a lack of belief?

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Croatia?

Them and Colombia are my dark horses. Always impressed by Croatia and Perisic is one hell of a player, not forgetting Modric of course.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Agreed. Weird isn't it?

It surely can't be a lack of belief?

Too much pressure on one kick? Or maybe he’s just not great at taking penalties. Looks good if the keeper dives the other way, but if he doesn’t..

 

[Chris FGR]

Too much pressure on one kick? Or maybe he’s just not great at taking penalties. Looks good if the keeper dives the other way, but if he doesn’t..

Yeah but you compare it to Ronaldo, he loves the big moment/pressure cos he knows he's one of the best ever. You would think Messi would think the same.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Angel de Maria’s performance has really justified the massive transfer fees Manchester Utd and PSG’sr paid for him...

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Yeah but you compare it to Ronaldo, he loves the big moment/pressure cos he knows he's one of the best ever. You would think Messi would think the same.

I think he’s just terrible at taking them, unless the keeper helps him out, which is the way most penalties are scored these days. Like I say, if the keeper dived the other way, they’d be saying how he handled the pressure and how cool a penalty it was.

 

[Chris FGR]

Random commentary moment- "Argentina are bringing on Christian Pavon, who's the same height as Kirsten Dunst." Eh?

 

[Super_horns]

Another famous result for Iceland ?

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Iceland deserve this draw, like Australia deserved one against France. Both Argentina and France have completely underwhelmed again to begin with.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Random commentary moment- "Argentina are bringing on Christian Pavon, who's the same height as Kirsten Dunst." Eh?

Say it with Alan Partridge’s voice.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Well done Iceland!

 

[Renegade]

Messi shouldn't be taking penalties, he's never been good at them. Aguero is one of the best penalty takers in the Premier League. That's an ego move more befitting of Cristiano.

Angel de Maria’s performance has really justified the massive transfer fees Manchester Utd and PSG’sr paid for him...

He was their best player in the last World Cup. Man of the match in a Champions League final. Football is a fickle business, isn't it?

 

[Renegade]

I can't take Clattenburg seriously since I found out that's his real accent.

 

[rudebwoyben]

I can't take Clattenburg seriously since I found out that's his real accent.

The waistcoat doesn’t help either.