Argentine fans stay philosophical
Argentina fans remained philosophical about their team’s World Cup chances despite opening with a disappointing 1-1 draw against tournament debutant Iceland on Saturday.
The small European nation produced a heroic backs-tothe-wall display against the two-time champion at Spartak Stadium in Moscow, with Hannes Halldorsson saving a second-half Lionel Messi penalty to compound Argentine frustrations.
With 11 men behind the ball and markers often doubling up on him, Messi could find no way through Iceland’s stubborn defense, leaving Argentina fans to hope the goals will flow in the remaining Group D matches against Croatia, on Thursday, and Nigeria on June 26.
“The two teams played very well, the Icelanders were very brave. Argentina missed goal chances, they’ll be there next time,” said Eduardo Banegas, one of around 8,000 people watching the game in the capital’s San Martin Square.
He thought Argentina’s players “did everything they could” and predicted that against Croatia “we will be fine”.
Another fan, Miguel Angel Gutierrez, considered that Argentina “played a good game, but had no luck because Iceland did not leave their penalty area”. He also remained confident that his country could reach its second successive World Cup final, and this time lift the trophy.
“There is not only hope for the next game, I think we will reach the final and I hope it’s against (reigning champion) Germany so we can get our revenge,” he continued.
Gutierrez also absolved Messi from any blame for the draw, saying “there is a lot of hope” placed on the Barcelona superstar.
“Stars have failed in the past such as (Germany’s Franz) Beckenbauer, (France’s) Michel Platini and even (Diego) Maradona,” he added.
Among the women in the crowd, Sofia Fernandez was critical of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, believing he should have introduced Boca Juniors striker Cristian Pavon, who was a 75th-minute substitute for Angel Di Maria, “far earlier” in the game.
The 22-year-old Pavon is one of the hottest properties in the Argentine game and has been recently linked with English clubs Arsenal and Manchester City.