FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina 1-0 Iran - Five Talking Points

Lionel Messi broke Iranian hearts by scoring the games deciding goal in injury time to ensure a 1-0 victory for Argentina over Iran. It was a thoroughly gripping, if slightly uneventful game that was a battle between one side who defended deep and another who were determined to break them down. In the end, the attack prevailed and Argentina got their win.Here are five talking points from a thoroughly absorbing contest.

#1 Argentina enjoyed plenty of possession but very little penetration

For much of the game it looked as Argentina’s attacking flair was going to be stifled by Iran’s disciplined defence. Even with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, Argentina found it difficult to break down a stubborn Iranian defence. Although they enjoyed plenty of possession, they managed to do precious little with it.

Their play with the ball was slow and laboured and lacked any real urgency. It almost looked as though the Argentineans were looking for a moment of inspiration or a piece of individual brilliance to break down the packed Iranian defence. And the few chances they did create, was spurned by the two strikers Higuain and Aguero, who both had an off day. Thankfully for Argentina, one swish of Messi’s left boot spared his side’s blushes and sealed qualification to the Round of 16.