Messi misses penalty as Iceland hold Argentina at Russia 2018

On a day when Argentina's Lionel Messi missed the opportunity to give his team victory in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup, France, Croatia and Denmark chalked up victories on Saturday. Sergio Aguero sent the Argentines ahead with his maiden World Cup goal after 19 minutes against debutants Iceland .

But Alfred Finnbogason would equalize for Iceland with their first goal on the big stage in the 23rd minute as the contest ended1-1-1. Croatia took advantage of Argentina's slip up to jump atop group with a 2nil win over a hapless Nigeria. The Croatians were infront after 32 minutes thanks, to an own goal and they were later awarded  a penalty in the 70th minute.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and goal line technology were used as France overcame Australia 2-1. The VAR system was used to award France a 58th minute penalty which was put away by Antoine Griezmann.

Australia also scored from the penalty spot to equalise in the 62^nd minute. Goal-line technology was called into use in the 81st minute as Paul Pogba got his effort to dip behind the keeper and over the line for the game’s winner.

Elsewhere, in the group, Peru slipped to defeat on their return to the World Cup stage as they went down 1-0 to Denmark. Yussuf Poulsen scored the winner just before the hour mark.