Iceland could make it to the play-offs for the first time in their history after beating Cyprus 2-0 last night.
Ever heard of the ‘Group of Death’ well how about the ‘Group of Ease’?
If you were to choose a group from the UEFA section of World Cup qualifying to give this title, it would have to be Group E.
Switzerland have ran away with a group that contains Norway, Albania, Cyprus, Slovenia and Iceland – and it is now a straight shoot-out between Iceland and Slovenia for a place in the play-offs.
Last night saw Slovenia comfortably beat Norway 3-0 in Ljubljana – so Iceland knew that they needed a result against their Cypriot opposition in Reykjavik. Sounds easy right, but when you consider that Iceland lost to Cyprus 1-0 in the return leg back in September 2012, they were slightly cautious.
But Iceland did win, putting themselves on the brink of the play-off round for the first time in their history, despite coming desperately close to the European Championships in 2004.
But their new golden generation is now coming of age – one of which is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.
The former Reading man was in fine form against Cyprus yesterday, as Iceland set up a crunch date with Scandinavian rivals Norway on Tuesday – with Slovenia travelling to take on Group Winners Switzerland.
Sigurdsson scored yesterday, but it is certainly not one of his better goals. He added a second after Ajax striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson had bundled in the opening goal. Sigurdsson claimed a goal, although there was a suspicion of own goal, with the ball seemingly coming off his chest and then diverted in by a Cypriot defender.
Here are the highlights from the game…
Can Iceland topple Norway and make it to the play-offs?
image: © Helgi Halldórsson/Freddi
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