Iceland may play an “old-fashioned” 4-4-2, but it has proven to be very effective. Through this system, co-managers Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson have transformed their team into a very well-organized unit, especially at the back. They conceded just six goals during qualifying.
And though they have no world-class attacking talents, they do have some competent wingers and strikers who complement their system, as well as a very capable midfielder in Gylfi Sigurdsson orchestrating the offense.
With their organization and defensive solidity, definitely don’t sleep on Iceland at +450 to win Group F.
Team Weaknesses:
Due to their lack of elite attacking talent, Iceland’s offense is pretty limited. They produced just 11.6 attempts on goal during qualifying, the fourth-worst mark among qualifying teams behind Albania, Hungary, and the Republic of Ireland. Striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has been a prolific scorer in international level, but he could be low in confidence after a very disappointing debut season with Nantes in France.
Meanwhile, the central defensive partnership of Kari Arnason and Ragnar Sigurdsson isn’t the most mobile, and will be vulnerable to teams that possess decent speed in attack.
Iceland is priced at +180 to finish at the bottom of the group.
Team Stats (During Euro Qualifiers):
Category
Stat
Goals Scored Per Game
1.7
Goals Conceded Per Game
0.6
Goal Attempts Per Game
11.6
Pass Completion Percentage
86%
Ball Possession Percentage
48%
Starting Lineup:
Position
Name (Age)
Career Caps
Goals
Goalie
Hannes Halldorsson (32)
32
0
Defender
Elmar Bjarnason (29)
25
0
Defender
Kari Arnason (33)
47
2
Defender
Ragnar Sigurdsson (29)
54
1
Defender
Ari Skulason (29)
37
0
Midfielder
Johann Gudmundsson (25)
45
5
Midfielder
Aron Gunnarsson (27)
57
2
Midfielder
Gylfi Sigurdsson (26)
37
12
Midfielder
Birkir Bjarnason (28)
46
6
Forward
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (26)
37
19
Forward
Alfred Finnbogason (27)
32
7
Writer’s Prediction
The well-organized Icelanders take second place in Group F, and make a shock run to the quarterfinals.
