Argentina fall in handball opener against Iceland

Argentina's men proved their solidity despite losing 31-25 in their debut against reigning silver medallists Iceland close in their opening Group A match at the Copper Box venue during the London 2012 Olympic.

Thus, the Argentine team fired a warning to Great Britain as they pushed the highly experienced Scandinavians, ahead of their clash on Thursday afternoon.

Argentina have been targeted by Team GB as a side they will look to beat, but it will be a tough task for the host nation based on this evidence, despite finishing on the losing side.

Argentina, playing in their first Olympic Games, matched the Scandinavians for the majority of the opening period, with three late goals at the end of the first half pulling Iceland back to 15-14 after they had looked to assert their authority at 15-11 up.

It remained a close game after the interval as well, with Argentina continuing to hold their own, but Iceland were inspired by the nine goals of Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson and eventually broke clear to win by a six-goal margin.

Diego Esteban Simonet threw in five for Argentina as they left the on-looking Team GB in no doubt of their talent.