Remarkable story, Iceland’s. A population the size of Leicester (around 300,000), ten per cent of which is in France to see their country compete in a major tournament for the first time.
And in a season where Leicester won the English Premier League, why the hell can’t Iceland knock over England next week, and go even further into Euro 2016?
You can’t just defend, they said. Your luck will run out, they said. You’re only here to make up the numbers, they said.
Now that the hyper-snobbery of the tiki-taka generation has passed and there is a more general acceptance of different ways to play successful football (thank you, Leicester!), it’s time to accept that, you know what, you can win like this.
England dominated against Russia, Wales and Slovakia (just ask them…) and for what? Five points.
Iceland have been dominated possession-wise by Portugal, Hungary and Austria. For what? Five points!
There’s absolutely no reason Iceland can’t knock over England next week.
Roy Hodgson bristled at the suggestion that England were struggling to break down teams and said in the knockout stages his side would be fine – proper teams won’t sit back and just defend, he said.
Well, Roy, you’re out of luck.
Iceland will defend, like their very lives depend on it, as they have for the last 270 minutes. To a man they have headed crosses away, flung themselves in front of shots from near and far, and Hannes Halldorsson has proved a far better goalkeeper than film director.
They’ve proven too in their three games that they can score goals.
At Euro 2004, a Greece side containing Angelos Charisteas, Kostas Katsouranis, Theo Zagorakis, Michalis Kapsis and Antonis Nikopolidis beat a Portugal side with Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta and Luis Figo – twice.
They were efficient, hard working and organised. Just like Iceland.
Sure, Iceland have landed themselves in the much tougher side of the draw.
But England, Spain, Italy and Germany have all flattered to deceive so far, while Iceland have stuck rigidly to their methodically prepared gameplan, no surprise given co-coach Heimir Hallgrimson is a dentist by trade.
Iceland were never prepared just to show up and take the pats on the back merely for being there.
They beat the Netherlands home and away in qualifying, lest we forget, and have shown in the group stage they are a force to be reckoned with.
In a year when Leicester won the league, who says Iceland can’t win the Euros?
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Hypothetically speaking i said get rid of the knockout stages, so the "draw" doesn't matter any more.
Bondy
Guest
They've got no hope the big boys will gobble them up pretty quickly ...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Spain and Germany are on the sake side of the draw.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
If we're going on what is expected to happen then let's not waste any more time with knock-out games and move straight to a Spain v Germany final. Anything is possible in a knock out, penalties decided competition. I wouldn't be surprised if any of these 16 make it all the way to the final. I heard Frank Lowy is trying to get the Socceroos into the next Euro Championships. "If Dami Im was a part of Eurovision, then why can't the Socceroos play in the European Championships" he said in the Guardian.
Brian
Guest
Sorry they can't win it. They emerged from the weakest group and only beat Austria because the Austrians were going all out for the win in in jury time. I doubt they will get past England. Their game is too similar, their strength are aerial, crosses into the box, speed. All the factors that Premier League players are adapt at dealing with. The key to beating England is tiki taka as over half of Europe are better possession teams then England. I can't see Iceland doing that. Should they fluke it against England France would be too strong. I find there is more chance of an upset when teams play different styles. Ireland beating Italy or Albania beating England
144
Roar Guru
Iceland have England Italy have spain Spain > England Iceland have a better chance at the Euro than Italy Stupid 16 year old logic over here thanks!
13th man
Guest
Love the Iceland story but no I cannot see them going all the way. Wales on the other hand are a real smoky, in the right side of the draw, I reckon they will go far. France V Wales final I am tipping
AZ_RBB
Guest
Fascinating knock out stages coming up. No doubt one half of the draw is at least on paper less impressive than the other. But that lower rated top half has some serious football teams in it. Personally don't rate Belgium but they have enough talent to win it. Really like Croatia. Second best midfield in the tournament. Being a big Gareth Bale fan, I think Wales could do some damage as well. Can't deny there's a serious log jam of teams in the bottom half. It's almost hard to separate Italy, Spain, Germany and France. It's a shame Italy v Spain is in the middle of the night. That's going to be one for the ages. France v Croatia final for me.