World Cup 2018: Argentina 1-1 Iceland; 3 key battles that decided the game

#3 Sergio Aguero vs Kari Arnason

It was a shame Aguero's first WC goal did not come in a happier occasion

It was a pity that Aguero's first WC goal did not end up with more happiness, but Aguero will be glad he got it out of the way in the first game. After spending the previous WCs as a substitute or battling injury, this is the first time as a full-time striker for the team and he delivered what he promised.

His goal was a thing of beauty - great control, a fast turn away from the defender and towards the goal, and the sharpest of finishes into the top left corner. He might be shorter in stature than the two Iceland CBs, but it helped that the ball came through the ground on that one.

The reason Argentina couldn't score, or even put in crosses properly into the box was Arnason and all 190 cms of him. He ruled the air like a true Viking, and ensured that Aguero could get no service whatsoever.

Aguero vs Arnason - stats

Arnason ensured that the set-pieces yielded no fruition as well, with Otamendi and Rojo trying to get a goal off those.

It was a testament to Iceland's defensive organization, that despite creating so many chances, Argentina never looked like they deserved a goal for their efforts.