The South Americans, searching for their first points after losing to Morocco in their opening game, threatened to take the lead in the 10th minute but Hussein Hasan was equal to Thiago Almada’s well-struck free-kick.

However, Argentina were not to be denied three minutes later when a cross from the left found Julian Alvarez in the box with the Manchester City forward laying the ball back for Almada to squeeze a shot between Hasan and his near post to put his team ahead.

With Argentina dominating possession, Iraq’s attack were sporadic with their first clear chance coming in the 27th minute when Ahmed Hasan was put through but saw his shot from an acute angle well saved by Argentina custodian Geronimo Rulli.

Iraq continued to press and in the fourth minute of first half added time, found the equaliser when Hasan swung in a delightful outswinging cross from the left that was nodded home by Aymen Hussein.

After a balanced start to the second half, Radhi Shenaishil and his counterpart Javier  Mascherano made two changes each after the hour mark with the Argentines reaping immediate rewards as substitute Luciano Gondou rose highest at the far post to head past Hasan in the 62nd minute.

Argentina looked to increase their lead in the 72nd minute when Gondou was unmarked inside the box but Hasan spread himself well to block the shot, with Zaid Tahseen then  quickly closing down Gondou on the follow up.

Things got worse for Iraq in the 85th minute when Ezequiel Fernandez swept home a stunning long range strike to make it 3-1.

Iraq will wrap up their Group B campaign with a meeting against Morocco on Tuesday while Argentina take on Ukraine.