| Portugal vs Iceland | |
| MATCH INFO | |
MATCH :
| Portugal vs Iceland |
COMPETITION :
| UEFA Euro Qualifiers |
| DATE: | 21-06-2023 |
TIME:
| 12.15 AM IST (UTC +5:30)
10.45 PM UAE |
STADIUM
| Ground |
Iceland's football history is relatively recent but remarkable, considering the country's small population and geographical location. Here's an overview of Iceland's football journey:
Early Years:
Football was introduced to Iceland in the early 20th century by foreign sailors and residents. The Football Association of Iceland (Knattspyrnusamband Íslands or KSÍ) was founded in 1947, and the national team played its first international match in 1946, losing 3-0 to Denmark.
Struggles and Development:
Iceland faced challenges in its early years due to limited resources, harsh climate, and a small pool of players. The national team struggled to make an impact on the international stage, often finishing at the bottom of their qualifying groups.
The Rise of Icelandic Football:
Iceland's fortunes began to change in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The country's investment in youth development and coaching, along with the increased popularity of the sport, led to significant improvements.
Euro 2016:
Iceland's breakthrough moment came in the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament held in France. Against all odds, they reached the quarterfinals, becoming the smallest nation to ever achieve such a feat in a major international tournament. Their memorable victory against England in the Round of 16 was a particular highlight.
World Cup 2018:
Building on their success at Euro 2016, Iceland qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2018 held in Russia. Although they didn't progress past the group stage, their presence on the global stage further elevated Icelandic football's profile.
Continued Success:
Iceland has maintained a strong presence in international competitions. They qualified for the UEFA Euro 2020, which was delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While they did not advance past the group stage in that tournament, their participation showcased their consistent progress.
Domestic Football:
The Icelandic domestic league, known as the Úrvalsdeild, features 12 teams and plays a significant role in the development of Icelandic players. The league has seen increased competitiveness and professionalization in recent years.
Player Successes:
Several Icelandic players have made names for themselves in European leagues. Gylfi Sigurðsson, currently playing for Everton in the English Premier League, is one of the most prominent Icelandic footballers. Others include Alfreð Finnbogason, Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, and Ragnar Sigurðsson.
Women's Football:
Iceland has also seen progress in women's football. The Icelandic women's national team has qualified for several UEFA Women's European Championships, showcasing the growth of the women's game in the country.
Iceland's football history is characterized by a remarkable rise from obscurity to international recognition. The nation's achievements have inspired other small footballing nations and demonstrated the power of investment in grassroots development and infrastructure.