So much for being a dark horse in Euro 2016. Austria are now in grave danger of failing to advance in the tournament after getting just one point through two group matches. They now face a dangerous Iceland side determined to get out of Group F at the Austrians’ expense. It’s going to be one hell of a showdown between these two sides, so stick around as we take a closer look at this matchup.
See how Group F will play out with our complete preview for Portugal vs. Hungary.
Cash In on the Best Online Sportsbook Offers Now at TopBet!
Austria have to be scratching their heads after a loss and a draw through their first two games in the group stage. The team dubbed by many to be a dark horse to win the tournament now needs nothing short of a win in order to advance to the group stage.
The Austrians have plenty of problems ahead. Star David Alaba could miss this outing after being injured in the match against Portugal. Striker Marc Janko is also injured and is doubtful to play in this match.
Nevertheless, Austria can welcome back defender Alexander Dragovic who missed their last match against Portugal due to a red card picked up in a 2-0 loss to Hungary.
Missing Janko will be a huge knock to Austria’s chances of getting a victory to salvage their less-than-stellar run. He’s the team’s leader in goals scored with 26 on 55 international caps. If he does miss out, Marko Arnautovic and Martin Harnik will have to provide the firepower on offense. Arnautovic and Harnik have scored 11 and 14 international goals, respectively.
Iceland hold the second spot in Group F on the virtue of two draws and superior goal differential against third-place Portugal. Gylfi Sigurdsson and Birkir Bjarnson each have a goal in 1-1 draws against Portugal and Hungary. They could sweeten their Euro 2016 run with a victory over bottom-feeders and disappointments, Austria.
Iceland will be short-handed entering this matchup, though. Alfred Finnbogason was the first player to pick up two bookings at the tournament. He’s suspended for the Icelanders’ final group game due to accumulation of yellow cards. Even without him, the team should be strong with Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Eiour Guojohnsen both available for the team.
Sigthorsson started in the first two matches, but was limited to just one shot. He should remain a threat on the attack with 20 international goals on 41 caps. Guojohnsen hasn’t started in the tournament, but has 26 goals on 87 caps under his belt. Meanwhile, Sigurdsson will continue to run the show from midfield, and will look to provide his strikers with more goalscoring opportunites.
Writer’s Prediction
Iceland (+265) dissect Austria’s defense to net the lone goal of the matchup.
