Iceland is a Nordic island
country between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. It has a population of
332,529 and an area of 103,000 km2 (40,000 sq mi), making it the most sparsely
populated country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík.
Reykjavík and the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to
over two-thirds of the population. Iceland is volcanically and geologically
active. According to Landnámabók, the settlement of Iceland began in the year
874 AD when the Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson became the first permanent
settler on the island. In 1994, it became a part of the European Economic Area,
which supported diversification into economic and financial services.
In 2013, it was ranked as
the 13th most-developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human
Development Index.. .. they are making news in Euro 2016. Icelandic football commentator Gudmundur
Benediktsson has gone from the high of delivering one of the most memorable
passages of commentary at Euro 2016 to the low of losing his day job within
four days. Benediktsson’s commentary as Iceland secured a last minute winner
against Austria went viral as he screamed then appeared to suffer an emotional
breakdown when Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored a barely believable goal with the
last touch of the game.
Iceland's unbeaten march to
face England in Nice on Monday [Tuesday morning !] has been the story of Euro
2016 so far. No smaller country had ever qualified for a Euro or a World Cup. TV
commentator "Gummi Ben" ascended into hysteria -- "Never, ever,
have I felt as good!" -- as he narrated his team's last-minute goal
against Austria that won the game 2-1. The tiny country's success seems like a
miracle. Clearly the Icelanders are obsessed with soccer.
England arrived in Nice on
Sunday to prepare for the Euro 2016 last-16 meeting with minnows Iceland - but
it has not been a journey without incident. They find themselves in the tougher
half of the draw with Spain, Italy, Germany and France after finishing second
in Group B behind Wales, England's fate sealed by a goalless draw against
Slovakia in Saint-Etienne. England manager Roy Hodgson faced fierce scrutiny
after his policy of making six changes, including resting captain Wayne Rooney,
did not produce the win required to put them ahead of Wales in the standings. There
could still be salvation for Hodgson, however, as England are now firm
favourites to reach the quarter-finals - but the stakes are huge for manager
and players. If England cannot navigate a way past Iceland and into a
last-eight meeting with hosts France or the Republic of Ireland in Paris, it is
impossible to see how he will survive as manager.
England's future at UEFA EURO 2016 hinges on their ability to break down surprise package Iceland, a team with plenty of English league experience in their ranks. Previous meetings. England first met Iceland in a warm-up game for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, drawing 1-1 in Reykjavik. The tie will be the last round of 16 games to be played and will take place in Nice at the Allianz Riviera. Now it is that picture of a small dog chasing a rhino that reportedly is inspiring Iceland to push for Euro glory. Media reports suggest that it has helped the smallest country ever to reach the Euros believe they can beat England in their last 16 showdown in Nice. Iceland are in the mood for another giant killing after revealing one of their dressing room secrets. They have got a picture of a small dog chasing a huge Rhino hanging on the wall of their training base in Annecy. Iceland have been using psychology with inspirational pictures and strong messages to try and inspire the players in team meetings ! Iceland midfielder Elmar Bjarnason is quoted as saying : “We have a picture of a Chihuahua chasing the Rhino. That also sticks out. Not that we are the Chihuahua! But it’s just a funny picture that sticks out. He hopes Iceland can cause a major last 16 upset in Nice against England. Bjarnason, meanwhile, grew up as a Manchester United fan and had a joke for Wayne Rooney after Cristiano Ronaldo refused to swap shirts with Iceland’s players as the Portugal star was left frustrated at failing to beat the smallest team at the tournament. “They show almost every English game on TV. I think they show every game on TV in Iceland. “So, obviously, it’s going to be a big game in my career and a lot of the boys’ career. So, it’s unreal that it’s happening now. Iceland is hoping there will be 20,000 fans to cheer us at the stadium, that .. is 20% of their population – the support sounds incredible. Will they pull off !! With regards – S. Sampathkumar 27th June 2016
