Meet the quarter-final opposition: Iceland
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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A fairy tale, ground-breaking and a dream. Iceland's UEFA EURO 2016 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular – but where will it end for a team now on the world stage?
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Nickname: Strákarnir okkar (Our boys)
Story so far: Iceland's journey has been nothing short of a fairy tale. The more optimistic Icelanders hoped to get through the group stage, but I don't think anyone expected them to reach the last eight – let alone beat England along the way. The feeling after that victory is one of sheer joy and shock. Where will all this end? The dream goes on.
Route to last eight: 1-1 Portugal, 1-1 Hungary, 2-1 Austria, 2-1 England
Star performer: It's very difficult to pick out one name as this has been such a collective effort, but at the moment I would say defender Ragnar Sigurdsson. He has been pivotal throughout the tournament and stepped it up another level against England.
Best moment: Obviously the round of 16 win against England. Though there have been many significant moments for Icelandic football in France, including the opening draw with Portugal followed by the Group F win against Austria, knocking out England was ground-breaking. They are firmly on the world stage now.
Strengths: The team spirit is immense and seems to know no limits. Going behind so early against England only to bounce back so quickly speaks volumes.
Weaknesses: Iceland's squad depth is nowhere near the likes of France and Germany, yet they have so far managed to field the same starting line-up in every game. Will that lack of options be tested in the last eight?
Quarter-final prediction: If Lars Lagerbäck and Heimir Hallgrímsson's side can put in a performance as good as the one against England then anything is possible. France have not shown what they are capable of yet and Iceland will hope that continues. Icelandic optimism – a 1-0 victory.
What are they singing? Ferdalok (Ég er kominn heim) – End of the journey (I'm home)
Celebrity fans: Gunnar Nelsson (MMA), as well as Twitter support from the likes of Ruud Gullit and Ben Stiller
Tell us something we didn't know: Hannes Halldórsson was only a reserve goalkeeper in the third tier in Iceland in 2004. He's certainly taken the scenic route to the top.