Defensive Resilience Key in Iceland's Incredible Euro 2016 Story

Following England’s thoroughly underwhelming exit at the last-16 stage of Euro 2016, fans were quick to make their thoughts known on the manner of the 2-1 loss to Iceland. Humiliating, embarrassing and shameful were among the most used adjectives to describe England’s lacklustre display in Nice. The Times Sport even went as far as to hand every player a zero in their player ratings, though that seemed a tad harsh on Marcus Rashford, who offered more in the final third during his short time on the pitch than a number of his teammates. 

Yet while some will quickly point the finger of blame towards the players and a number of highly questionable tactical decisions from outgoing manager Roy Hodgson, praise must be thrust in Iceland’s direction. The majority gave the European minnows a snowball’s chance in hell of progressing this far prior to the tournament. However, Iceland’s game plan has been utilised with efficiency throughout the competition so far. 

As has been the case since the opening round 1-1 draw with Portugal, the system in place involves a compact 4-4-2 formation based on soaking up pressure before hitting the opposition on the break. Indeed, Iceland have averaged less possession (35%) than any other team at Euro 2016, leaving opponents frustrated in their quest for goal. While they have failed to keep a clean sheet so far, their efficiency in every position on the pitch played a contributing factor in not only securing a place at the competition, but their progression to this stage of Euro 2016. 

Much has been made of Iceland’s population of 330,000 in recent weeks, and when factoring in that 23 players were called up for the European Championship squad - one in every 14,347 Icelandic residents is currently with the national team at Euro 2016. At that ratio England would have a squad of roughly 3,833. Head coaches Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson have a small national pool to select from, but the players called on have adhered to the demands of the duo to make this team the overachievers that they are. 

While plenty of focus was on the likes of Aron Gunnarsson and Gylfi Sigurdsson - two players familiar to English football fans - coming into the tournament, part of the reason for Iceland’s success was an effective attacking outlet. While Kolbeinn Sigthorsson endured a disappointing campaign for Nantes, netting just three league goals in 26 league appearances last season, he’s been imperative for Iceland this summer. 

His first goal and Iceland’s second against England guaranteed their place in the next round of Euro 2016, though he was helped significantly by some lacklustre defending and extremely poor goalkeeping from Joe Hart. Nevertheless, Sigthorsson has been a dominant figure in the Iceland attack. The 26-year-old is winning more aerial duels per game (9) than any other player at the European Championship. His 17 won in the 1-1 draw with Portugal is bettered by no player at the tournament in a single match and has contributed to a WhoScored rating of 7.38, better than any other Iceland player. 

For an Iceland side that adopts a direct approach, Sigthorsson’s impact in attack is crucial. Only Wales (324) have attempted more long balls than Iceland (292) at Euro 2016. The need to get the ball forward as quickly as possible is vital for this side given Iceland’s lack of possession, with Sigthorsson more than capable of knocking the ball on, reinforcing his statistically calculated WhoScored style of play of ‘flick ons’. The impact of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson alongside him, in that case, is crucial. 

While the 24-year-old won’t be making darting runs in behind Sigthorsson, he provides an effective foil for the Nantes striker, providing support for his partner, be it alongside or in advance of Sigthorsson. Provided the powerful forward can win the ball for his side, Bodvarsson is able to help maintain pressure on the opposition defence, primarily through his ability to carry possession forward.

Providing Sigthorsson can knock the ball down for his teammate - as has been the case for much of the competition - Iceland have a much stronger chance of adding pressure to their opponents’ defence. Of course, the primary source of their success has been the compactness and resilience throughout the core of the midfield. Sigurdsson and Gunnarsson have formed a solid partnership in the middle of the park, shielding the defence with aplomb. Sigurdsson averages more tackles per game (3.5) than any other Iceland player, while both he and Gunnarsson are top - along with centre-back Ragnar Sigurdsson - of the number of interceptions per game (2.8) made by the team. 

The way with which they soak up pressure before hitting teams on the counter is exemplary and while it’s a risky approach, Iceland’s constant underdog tag means they must sit deep before breaking forward quickly. In Sigurdsson and Gunnarsson, they possess a midfield with an impressive reading of the game, meaning they can cut out the passes to the opponents' attack before spreading the play to the wide men and breaking forward swiftly. 

The performances of Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kari Arnason, who rank second (7.31) and third (7.27) respectively of Iceland’s top rated players, have been the most talked about, however, particularly following the 2-1 win over England. Given the weakness of Iceland’s full-backs, the centre-back pairing’s concentration levels need to consistently be at their highest in order to repel the attacking threat from wide. However, with the duo completing a total of 54 clearances thus far, their proactiveness is key to Iceland. 

Moreover, when teams have breached their defensive resolve, the form of Hannes Thor Halldorsson, who averages more saves per game (5) than any other shotstopper, has been vital given Iceland concede more shots per Euro 2016 outing (19.8) than any other team. Lagerback and co., it must be said, deserve ample credit for the nation’s progression to the next round of Euro 2016. The way Iceland are set up means they are extremely difficult to break down and, as the plucky underdogs, adds to what has already been a fairytale experience in France. 

Gylfi Sigurdsson said before the tournament began that Iceland are not at Euro 2016 to simply make up the numbers and with the 24 teams now whittled down to eight, the Swansea star’s words certainly ring true. They head into Sunday’s meeting with France as the rank outsiders, but this suits Iceland, who certainly have what it takes to upset the odds once more.

Can Iceland upset the odds once more and overcome France on Sunday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below