Despite arguably playing their best football in the second half against Iceland, pre-tournament dark horses Austria went down 2-1 to the islanders, conceding a stoppage-time goal that sealed their exit from the championship.
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In living rooms and bars across the country of 330,000, locals draped in the national flag screamed, sang and danced after substitute Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored a stoppage-time victor that secured their ticket for the final 16. “I’m really moved, what can you say after a game like this?” ‘I guess we need to change it now. “My son-in-law shouted so much, he thinks he has broken a rib”, said Matthias Kjartansson, 60, who was watching the game at home with his family.
Austria were almost gifted with the opener on 11 minutes when Hannes Halldorsson was caught dwelling on the ball after receiving a backpass, but having dispossessed the keeper, Marko Arnautovic then slipped with the goal at his mercy and the danger was gone.
If everything unfurls they way we foresee it, Croatia will play Germany in what would be a memorable final. But it’s a great story and we want to keep it going.
National carrier Icelandair is considering adding extra flights to France, in expectations of more Icelanders wanting to support the team, local broadcaster RUV reported. Even Icelandair have said that they will do everything they can to fly out as many Icelanders as possible.
“I’m not afraid of England”, said Hallgrimsson, who manages Iceland alongside Lars Lagerback. “We could have sold many more, if it was possible to get a hold of the shirt, that has now become cult”. “It’s extra sweet for us”.
Iceland, the smallest nation to appear at a major finals, will play England in the last 16 in Nice after finishing second in the group, behind Hungary but above Portugal, following a thrilling 3-3 draw in Lyon.
Having drawn its previous two matches at Euro 2016, the victory secured Iceland second place in Group F behind Hungary with five points. Iceland, a tiny island with the population of Montecasino on a Saturday, are competing in the championship for the very first time. “I know probably at least 50 percent of the crowd or at least recognise them”. “We believe in our ability”.
So here we go: 16 teams, four games from glory, only one victor – who’s your pick?
Marc Janko turned a Marcel Sabitzer cross just wide of the near post on 69 minutes, while Schopf was denied at point-blank range by Halldorsson three minutes later after being played in by the substitute.
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Brady’s 85th minute header ended Ireland’s 22-year wait for a competitive victory over Italy and guaranteed that the team ended up as one of the best third-place teams. The voice has gone!
