Iceland Earns a Heroic Point against Argentina; Messi Misses a Penalty

What an image change!

From villains in a Disney movie to lovable underdogs, kinda like football's version of The Mighty Ducks 2.

Of course, Disney chose Iceland to be the bad dudes in that flick because hockey's no big deal there, ie- there's hardly anyone to alienate.

Football, on the other hand, has brought a close populace even closer together.

That happens when the tiniest nation to ever make the EuroCup quarters also holds the same distinction as a World Cup qualifier.

 

Spartak Moscow's Otkryte Arena dripped with anticipation over this clash: Iceland’s debut in World Cup action against just possibly the best player in the world right now.

What with Alexander Ovechkin finally winning the ultimate championship in his sport, Lionel Messi is now on a list as someone who hasn't. Until the Crushin' Russian quenched his 13-year quest, fans wondered if it would ever happen. Messi's in the same position.

La Albiceleste got the start they wanted, courtesy of 19-year-old Sergio Agüero inside of the box with an amazing finish.

It was the kid's first World Cup goal ever, in only his third cap:

So far, so good, accorging to Argentina's desired plot.

However, only four minutes later, Alfreð Finnbogason’s historic close-range strike sent a bolt of hope through the Strákarnir okkar -- Our Boys -- contingent.

 

Behold the first Icelandic goal ever in the world's largest competition!

Argentina did pick up where they left off, taking all the responsibility of attacking, but Iceland’s defense held fast. Until the the 64th minute:

 

There's your hero of the day: 'keeper Hannes Þór Halldórsson, who also posted great saves against Agüero, and Ángel di María.

And that's your final: a fairly shocking 1-1 stalemate that felt more like a victory to Iceland and ... well, there it is.

For Jorge Sampaoli’s squad, there are still two games -- against Croatia and Nigeria -- and Messi will still have his chances.

Sooner or later, though, dude's gotta cash in on them.