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Iceland had already got their name in the history books by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. In their very first appearance in the most prestigious football event, they were pitted against the mighty Argentina, a country that is 125 times larger than them in population, and one with a very formidable combination of football players.
However, very few would have imagined that Iceland would prove to be such a tough “Ice” to crack. When the final whistle blew, even the small population of 3.5 lakhs must have been screaming so loud with ecstasy that the whole world heard it as the match ended 1-1.
It had all started well for the South American giants when Aguero put them in front in the 19th minute. Nonetheless, their joy did not last more than five minutes as, in one of the most historic moments in Iceland football, Finnbogason scored their maiden goal in the World Cup to equalize in the 23rd minute.
Things got messier when Argentinian star Lionel Messi failed to score from the penalty spot. Despite enjoying 72% of possession and 26 attempts in total, 7 of which were on target, that moment for Argentina never came when they could tidy things up.
As for Iceland, the day will be remembered for posterity as an inspirational fable that marks the first chapter of their promising future in world football.