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A fantastic performance from Iceland today to hold a draw with one of the top teams in the world, in what was an incredibly entertaining game of free flowing and open football from both sides.
Portugal had all the stats though, finishing the game with 25 shots on goal to Iceland’s 4. As well as holding the better half of a 66-34% possession split.
They had triple the amount of passes and five times the amount of completed passes than Iceland, not to mention 11 corners to 2.
It was the Iceland defence that kept them in the game, and a superb game in goals from Hannes Halldorsson who saved his side time after time.
Iceland will play their first ever major tournament fixture this morning as they open their Euro 2016 campaign against a fierce Portugal side. Join The Roar for all the live highlights and action from 5am (AEST).
The 34th ranked Iceland will also become the smallest nation to appear in a major tournament finals, with a population of just over 300,000 – thirty times smaller than their opponents today.
Despite the fairytale nature of Iceland adventure into top international competition, the Ronaldo-driven Portuguese are heavy favourites to get their Group stage off to a winning start.
Portugal’s coach Fernando Santos isn’t taking the northern nation lightly though, stating that Iceland “are more than just physically strong. They are strong, tactically well organised, and they know exactly how to act in defence and in attack. They will do everything to break Portugal’s will to win the match and they’ve got every right to do so.”
Iceland’s coach Lars Lagerback, who also had a decade long stint with Sweden, threw down some fighting words at Portugal before the encounter, underhandedly suggesting the 2004 Euro runners up are a one man team.
“Everyone knows Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world,” said Lagerback. “It’s about playing against the whole team,” he then tried to recover with, before again insinuating his team’s priorities, “but of course we will try to close him down.”
Speaking of, Ronaldo is slated to make his 127th appearance for his country, equally the Portuguese record for most international caps, currently held by Barcelona and Real Madrid legend Lius Figo.
Nothing to report in terms of team news, with both sides using the same 11 from their last international friendlies.
Prediction:
Although most, myself included, will be excited to see a spirited Iceland battle for an unlikely result, Portugal should pick up the win without too much hassle.
Portugal to win by 3
Catch all the thrilling live action and highlights coming out of Euro 2016 from 5am (AEST) on The Roar.
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