In what should have been a one-sided affair, Iran took the battle to Argentina who are yet to show they possess the ability to win this year's World Cup.
The match was a fairly even one with Iran exposing the defense of the Argentines and testing their goalkeeper with some fine shots. They often appeared to be more organised than their South American opponents and commanded respect from an apparently porous defenseline.
Argentina played exactly as they did in their opening match with a lacklustre appearance that must have been bothersome to their coaching staff.
They were careless in their building of possession because of simple passing errors, allowing their opponents to make inroads into the main goalscoring areas. They were not inaccurate, neither were they afraid to shoot at goal. But it was the absolutely brilliant goalkeeping that kept Iran from a lead.
Again, the major problems of Argentina seem to be the methodology of the coach as to what he wants out of his team, hence the reason why the team has not yet gelled.
How does one explain the presence of a group of high quality players like Messi, Di Maria, Marscherano, Arguero and Vaballetta on the field and not making a positive impact. Searching for reasons could come from a number of directions, the first of which is the shortage of top class defenders, leaving their starline midfield to work harder and from deeper infield to build any organised attack.
It is clear that Arguero has been well short of his best playing performance because of his recent injury which is being viewed as nothing more than just needing time to recover.
The sounds of dismissal are already coming from the fans whose passion for Argentine success is much more than their on the field activity.
It is difficult to imagine Messi having to try for individual efforts to keep his team in the game. Admittedly, they have done what they do best and that is winning the ball back quickly. However, possession was shortlived on many occasions, leaving Iran to believe that an upset was in the making.
Just as Iran was preparing for a well earned draw, Messi comes up with his body shifting from the right side of the penalty area, fools a defender or two, sends them the wrong way and curls a superb left footer which appears to be going past the far post, but suddenly swerves swiftly back toward the upper ninety of the right far post.
It was deserving of a goal to win a match, but it could have been so much more enjoyable and appreciated, if his team had done enough to deserve full points.
Argentina's victory was not convincing and hopes for them winning the World Cup seem remote when we reflect on the fine performances by some of the relative newcomers.
No doubt Germany will have to take another look from their comfort zone victory over Portugal.
Germany played as well as they were allowed and found that they needed to respect Ghana. The confidence of their defense was superb and it was a joy to watch these athletically competent players beating the Germans to the ball and performing acts of astute screening in crucial areas.
As soon as Gotze scored his header in the 51st minute, Ayew immediately showed that he was as competent when he met Atsu's cross and powered it into the net.
Ghana took the lead following a defense-splitting pass for Gyan to rocket it past the German keeper to take the lead. The excitement continued with an attractive flow, a feature which saw substitute Klose get a foot on to a Steinsweiger's flick off a Muller corner.
This opens a door for all the teams in the group. Portugal will believe that they can deal with the USA and Ghana in order to earn their place in the top 16. But that is easier said than done.