Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/333851
48 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 JUNE 2014 Sport SPORTTODAY Sensational strike from Messi rescues Argentina against Iran Argentina are rescued by Lionel Messi's wonder-strike in injury time to defeat Iran 1-0 and guarantee qualification to the knock-out phase of the World Cup. MESSI, and Argentina, had been disappointing throughout the game but this was forgotten in the 91st minute when the Barcelona striker curled a shot from 20 metres be- yond keeper Alireza Haghighi. Iran had defended bravely throughout the match and as the contest progressed they had looked the more likely to take victory against their stronger opponents. But Sergio Romero saved from Reza Ghoochannejhad and Ashkan Dejagah either side of Dejagah hav- ing a strong penalty claim waved away to set the stage for Messi's mo- ment of magic. Messi had scarcely been involved until his last second intervention. He took a relatively harmless pass from the right f lank, moved a stepa- way from his marker and made the space required to send his shot arc- ing into the far corner of the net. It broke the hearts of Iran who deserved better but are now on the verge of elimination from the World Cup with just one point from two games. "He is a decisive player. When you have Messi, anything is possible," Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said after the game. "In the first half we had four or five chances on goal, but in the sec- ond half they made life difficult for us. It took a lot of effort," he added. Argentina are searching for a first major title in 21 years and possess- ing one of the most formidable at- tacks at the World Cup had given them hope the drought could fi- nally be ended. But unless coach Sabella can find a way to make that attack click, the 1993 Copa America could remain the most recent addition to the Ar- gentine roll of honour. The experimental 3-5-2 used to start the previous match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which was shakily won 2-1, was abandoned for a return to 4-3-3 in Belo Hori- zonte. Di Maria supported a front line of Higuain, Aguero and Messi but even the fab four struggled to breach the well-drilled Iranian defence. Despite dominating first half pos- session, Argentina found chances hard to come by through open play. Haghighi was alert to rush from his line and block at the feet of Higuain and the keeper did tipped away a curling shot from Aguero at the end of a lovely move. Argentina had further opportuni- ties from set pieces but neither Mar- cos Roja or Ezequiel Garay could direct their efforts on target. It was 16 years to the day of their only World Cup victory, 2-1 over the United States at France 98, and Iran seemed inspired by history. While lacking the class of their opponents, their narrow and deep defensive shape was enough to stifle them. Such was the discipline of Carlos Queiroz's team, even counterattacks seemed limited to a few intrepid players breaking into Argentine ter- ritory. Though these carried little threat, it earned set pieces at the start and end of the half which were brilliantly whipped in by Dejagah but central defender Seyed Hosseini twice failed to test Romero when he should have done better. After the break Argentina began with renewed urgency but when Aguero mistimed a near post header, it was Iran who gained courage and should have gone in front. Ghoochannejhad sent a header straight at Romero in their first truly incisive attack but the second followed a minute later and was unceremoniously ended with Pablo Zabaleta scything down Dejagah in the box. Iran had a let-off when Messi strode through the middle of the park only to side-foot wide from just outside the box on the hour mark. The lively Dejagah then saw a div- ing header tipped over the bar by Romero who had strayed danger- ously far from his line. There was a dramatic finish as Haghighi made two late saves and Iran could have won as Ghoochan- nejhad broke behind Zabaleta only to fail when faced with Romero. Messi had no such problem and Argentina could breathe a sigh of relief with their second narrow vic- tory in as many games. Argentinian supporters cheer during the FIFA World Cup 2014 group F preliminary round match between Argentina and Iran. Photo by EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates. Photo by EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA