MOSCOW, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Sergio Aguero and Alfred Finnbogason scored first half goals as Argentina and Iceland went into halftime 1-1 in their World Cup Group D clash at Spartak Stadium on Saturday.
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli began the match with Sergio Aguero just in front Lionel Messi in attack, leaving Gonzalo Higuain on the bench.
The Albieleste 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 Iceland keeper Hannes Halldorrson.
Argentina took the lead in the 19th minute when Aguero deftly controlled a bullet pass from Marcos Rojo before turning and unleashing a wicked left-footed shot that barely allowed Halldorrson to react as it cannoned into the top left corner.
The equalizer came four minutes later after Gylfi Sigurdsson's shot forced a lunging save from Caballero and fell into the path of Finnbogason, who hammered in the rebound.
Despite Argentina's control of possession, Iceland looked most likely to score.
Sigurdsson twice had chances to give his side the lead just before halftime: first with a 15-yard strike that drew another fine save from Caballero and then by flashing a volley narrowly wide.
Two-time champions Argentina are participating in their 17th World Cup while Iceland are taking part for the first time. With a population of less than 350,000, the Nordic nation is the smallest ever to qualify for football's biggest tournament.
