Moscow, June 16: Argentina's Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty as Iceland claimed their first ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw here on Saturday.
Messi had a weak 64th-minute shot easily saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson after Sergio Aguero of Argentina and Alfred Finnbogason of Iceland struck first half goals during a hard fought Group D match at the Spartak Stadium, reports Xinhua news agency.
It was an encouraging display for Heimir Hallgrimsson men, who showed surprising attacking intent early before weathering an Argentina onslaught in the second half.
Argentina, meanwhile, will be rueing a raft of missed opportunities, especially in the final half hour. Their next match against Croatia on June 21 is suddenly a must-win affair as the two-time champions seek to avoid an early tournament exit.
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli began the match with Aguero just in front of Messi in attack, leaving Gonzalo Higuain on the bench.
The South Americans threatened in the opening minutes with two Messi free-kicks that floated perilously into the penalty area.
But Iceland soon settled and Birkir Bjarnason should have done better when he flayed a shot wide from 12 yards after a counter-attack.
As expected, Messi was heavily marked by Iceland's defence and the Barcelona forward was often forced deep to get involved. He twice had long-range efforts punched clear by Halldorsson.
Argentina took the lead when Aguero deftly controlled a bullet pass from Marcos Rojo before turning and unleashing a wicked left-footed shot that barely allowed Halldorsson to react as it cannoned into the top left corner.
The equaliser came four minutes later after Gylfi Sigurdsson rasping effort forced a lunging save from Caballero. The rebound fell to Finnbogason, who hammered in from close range.
Despite Argentina's control of possession, Iceland looked more likely to score.
Sigurdsson twice had chances to give his side the lead just before halftime -- first with a 15-yard strike that again tested Caballero and then by flashing a volley narrowly wide.
Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega replaced Lucas Biglia in the 54th minute and the change made an immediate impact as Iceland were pushed deeper.
Messi also became more influential. It was his inviting cross into the area that led a disorientated Hordur Magnusson to clatter into Maximiliano Meza. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot and the scene seemed set for another Messi rescue story for his country.
But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner appeared to hesitate before prodding a tame spot-kick that was parried away by Halldorsson.
Messi had further chances to score as Argentina pressed relentlessly in the final minutes. The No. 10 sent a free-kick over the bar and lashed long range attempts with either foot just wide of the target.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Man appointed as home nurse steals jewelry worth nearly Rs 75 lakh from house in Udupi
Udupi: A man who had been working as home nurse at Badagubettu village of Udupi taluk is suspected to have stolen jewelry worth lakhs of rupees from the house on Sunday.
Prasad, a resident of the village, had called Deeksha Home Healthcare in Parkala two weeks ago, asking for the services of a home nurse to look after his father. Siddappa K Kodli was appointed as home nurse on the occasion.
ALSO READ: Gold jewelry worth Rs 63 lakh stolen from family traveling by train from Mumbai to Udupi
On Sunday, Kodli allegedly stole a pair of diamond earrings weighing 6 grams and worth Rs 43,800 from a glass bureau in the hall of Prasad’s house. He is also accused of stealing 427 grams of other jewelry worth Rs 31 lakh from the locker of the cupboard in the bedroom. The worth of the stolen jewelry amounts to nearly Rs 75 lakh.
Udupi Town Police have filed a case based on a complaint filed by Prasad and are investigating the case. Kodli is learned to be absconding at present.
