Considered minnows by most football fans and pundits at Euro 2016, Iceland are on a dream run in their first major tournament. They will face off against Austria in their final group match and both teams will look to register their first win of the tournament.
Austria began their Euro campaign with a disappointing game against Hungary losing 2-0 in the process, however, they were able to hold a stronger Portugal side to a goalless stalemate. Anything less than a win against Iceland will prove to be catastrophic for their hopes of qualifying the group stages.
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Meanwhile, Iceland will be hoping to continue their momentum going into this match knowing that a win here will provide safe passage for the round of 16. They were unfortunate in conceding an own goal late into their match against current table toppers Hungary, and will look to record their first ever win in a major tournament.
We think that the following 5 players will play decisive roles for their respective nations in this match
1) David Alaba
Bayern’s 23-year-old left-back is one of the most versatile players in the world and is equally comfortable at playing as a centre-back or in midfield. He has been deployed at the number 10 position in the present Austrian squad but has not been able to make an impact in the previous 2 matches.
Austria will be looking to utilise Alaba’s remarkable flexibility, while Iceland will try to reduce his impact on the game. His exquisite passing and stunning set-pieces would prove to be decisive if Austria hopes to qualify from the group. If he is able to replicate his club form for his nation, the fans would be treated to a staggering performance from the young star.
2) Marko Arnautovic
Stoke City’s Player of the Season Arnautovic has been commended for his team ethic and skills. However, he has had an uneventful Euro till now and will look to inspire his nation to bag all the three points against an energetic Iceland side.
The Austrian will look to run riot on the wings and Iceland’s defenders have a tough job in hand in stopping the Austrian’s exploits.
Despite his recent dip in form, Arnautovic would seek inspiration from his Premier league form of 2015-16 in which he scored 12 goals for his club. His precise finishing would be tested against Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson who has been a saviour for Iceland till now.
‘Cometh the hour cometh the men’ Austrian fans would be hoping their star duo of Alaba and Arnautovic accomplish the impossible task of qualifying for the round of 16.
3) Aleksandar Dragovic
The young Dynamo Kyiv centre-back might have had a nightmarish start to his Euro campaign against Hungary, however, he is still one of the hottest talents out there. His defensive ability and his aerial dominance aided Dinamo Kyiv to qualify to the round of 16 of Champions League 2015-16. The Austrian defensive line will be a hard nut to crack for Iceland with Dragovic in its ranks.
With Manchester United being a long-time admirer, Dragovic has been constantly linked to many teams. His tackling and composure have been witnessed and acknowledged by football pundits around the world. For a centre-back, he shows outstanding skill on the ball and has a few tricks up his sleeve.
A spirited performance will be expected from the young Austrian defender and to check the attacking threat of Iceland, all his experience will be required because of the ‘do or die’ nature of the match.
4) Gylfi Sigurdsson
The Icelandic midfield boasts of a quality player in Gylfi Sigurdsson, who is currently playing for Swansea City sure has some experience under his belt. His composure whilst taking the penalty against Hungary was commendable even though Iceland would later concede an own goal in the match.
Blessed with a great eye for goal, his long range shooting skills, passing prowess and set-pieces make him the crucial link in the Icelandic midfield. The fans from the tiny nation would be anticipating a stellar performance their team with Sigurdsson playing a crucial part.
Iceland’s debut in the Euros has seen them exceed expectations and the work rate and diligence of the midfield have been outstanding. And Sigurdsson has been at the centre of things, running tirelessly and creating chances for the team. Nothing short of this will be expected by the fans in their crucial final group stage match.
5) Aron Gunnarsson
Captain of Iceland, Gunnarsson plays for the Welsh club Cardiff City and has been leading his country from the front at this Euro. His partnership with Sigurdsson has worked wonders for the nation and has led them throughout the qualifiers and now the group stages.
Gunnarsson has been the link between midfield and defence and has a great sense of positioning during play build-up. With him in a defensive role Sigurdsson has been granted the liberty to roam with the ball and feed the strikers. The outcome of this crucial encounter will depend on which team is able to dominate proceedings in midfield, hence, Gunnarsson has a huge role to play against a strong but demoralised Austria.
