Iceland prove that size doesn’t really matter

Iceland is one of two 2018 World Cup first timers. COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

Team Countdown - Iceland. There has never been a better time to be Icelander. Two straight qualifications for major tournaments is something neither Netherlands nor Italy have managed in the last three years. What’s more, in their debut major tournament appearance (Euro 2016) Iceland were more than mere participants- proving that size doesn’t matter as the nation of 300,000 bundled England out of that competition. Any team which might want to continue to pretend Iceland is not worth paying attention could end up paying a heavy price.

Iceland is one of two 2018 World Cup first timers, but they have been knocking on the door for a considerable period now. The island only missed out on Brazil 2014 after losing in a playoff against Croatia.
To qualify for Euro 2016, the Icelanders prevailed in a group which had both Netherlands and Turkey.
They showed that was no fluke by topping a World Cup qualifying group which also had Croatia and Ukraine.
Only the man that is not afraid of losing his money will bet against Iceland prospering even though it finds itself in a tight Group D against Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria.

How they play:
Iceland is a compact, hardworking side which lets opponents take the initiative in games, but whose forward players are clinical when the team fashions a rare chance, often via a set-piece, a quick counterattack or a fine cross, which are three of the Icelanders preferred attacking tools.
However, this team is capable of utilising its throw-ins to devastating effect, as England found out at Euro 2016.

Strengths:
Shorn of any stars that would fit most people’s description of world class, this team’s defensive discipline and overall tactical organisation is its major strength.

Weaknesses:
The Icelanders are anything but prolific; they manage just a goal a game on average and that is partly down to the fact that Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson does the thinking in attacking areas almost all by himself.

Star Man:
Gylfi Sigurdsson is Iceland’s most recognisable footballer to date, and perhaps of all time, and that is because he is one whose goals you won’t forget easily, be from set-pieces or a rasping long range shot.

One to watch:
At 29, Alfred Finnbogason should ordinarily not qualify for the ‘One to watch’ section but this is a first World Cup for every Iceland player and the Augsburg striker has been in great form in the Bundesliga this past season, so Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria beware.

Prospects:
Iceland has no pretensions to playing possession football as most teams in world football like to do these days, in fact, they are the closest thing you will see at this World Cup to a team playing like it just came straight out of the Championship in England. For Iceland, success derives from harnessing the power of the collective. They will certainly win hearts in Russia, but possibly not games, which means they ultimately will not exceed the group stage.