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-to-the-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.