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.
Connor Bennett
Editor
That's it, the game was so free flowing and open, it was really entertaining to watch regardless of the result
oj
Guest
Portugal's attack was cheap. Just loads of high balls into the box, that's it. It was still an entertaining game though.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Not really an upset. Iceland has recently beaten the Netherlands, who were a tougher team than Portugal, and more highly-ranked.
Connor Bennett
Editor
He really looked off his game today, especially those free kicks at the end, but Iceland really had a killer game and deserve to take a point out of it
13th Man
Guest
hahaha love it, Iceland with a population of 330,000 spoil Cristiano Ronaldo's party, classic!!!!!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Not what CR7 was hoping for. This was a genuine upset well done to the Icelandic team.
Connor Bennett
Editor
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.
Connor Bennett
Editor
PORTUGAL 1-1 ICELAND
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Iceland escape with a draw and that is a huge result for themselves and Portugal who needed a winning start. Ronaldo had two chances at the death, but both his free kicks hit the wall and the whistle has been blown to end the game Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +5 Two minutes after stoppage time was over.... Ronaldo comes in... and he's hit the wall again!!! ICELAND SURVIVE!! Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Kurt
Guest
Excellent game, great result for Iceland!
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +4 He fires in... and it's it straight into the wall!!! BUT IT'S CALLED HANDBALL!!! Ronaldo will get another free kick, this time closer!! Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +3 Time running out and the Iceland faithful are going bananas at the thought of a result here. Free kick given!!!! This has to be the last play of the game and Ronaldo is going to line up the shot Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
jfd
Guest
how high can Ronaldo jump! His head goes up as high as the goalkeeper's hands.
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +2 Free kick for Portugal!! On the right edge of the box. The delivery was low and hard but it could only find an Icelandic foot. The tournament debutants survive again Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +1 Portugal rolling into the Iceland half, desperate to retake this lead. Nowhere to go for the Portuguese who are forced back to the half, then from side to side as they look for space somewhere. Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +3 minutes of stoppage time Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
89' A corner now for Portugal. This could be heart break for Iceland if they're not careful. But they live to fight again, getting the header on the clearance. Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
88' Ronaldo is pinned for an offside call, and he's not pleased with that decision at all. Iceland give away possession off the free kick as they just try to keep the ball up the other end Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1
Connor Bennett
Editor
87' Iceland nearly sneak a goal up the other end... and Portugal bring it back into the opposition penalty area with a chance of their own!!! This is incredible stuff as both sides let everything go in an attempt to get that winner Portugal - 1 Iceland - 1