Iceland and Austria square off in a Group F encounter at the Stade de France in Paris later tonight. Following a shock loss against Hungary in their opening game of UEFA Euro 2016, Das Team surprisingly find themselves at the bottom of their group and must win the clash against Strákarnir okkar to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the knockouts alive. Marcel Koller’s side were able to hold Portugal to a goalless draw in their second game where Cristiano Ronaldo spurned many chances for the Seleccao and also missed a penalty.
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Iceland, playing in their first ever European Championship, have managed to draw both of their opening games and a win would send them through to the qualifiers. They came back from a goal down to secure a point against Portugal, while they were leading against Hungary courtesy of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s spot-kick and looked on course to record their first ever win, before an own goal in the 88th minute broke their hearts.
David Alaba – hailed as one of the most complete players in world football at present – has endured a tournament to forget and will be looking to stamp his authority in the game against Iceland.
Strákarnir okkar will look to Sigurdsson for acting as the creative fulcrum in the middle of the park and will be hoping to at least make it to the knockouts on their debut.
Austria head coach Marcel Koller is hoping that their nervy goalless draw against Portugal will act as a catalyst in helping them beat the debutants. Speaking ahead of the match, he said: "[If Ronaldo's penalty in the second match] had gone in we could have returned home to Austria. Ronaldo had some chances, but we coped well against a player like him. After the last game we were frustrated and now the reality is different. You need self-confidence and we got that against Portugal. Now we can water this plant.”
The 55-year-old has also come to the defence of under-fire Bayern Munich man David Alaba, stating that the 23-year-old has been doing what has been asked of him.
“[on David Alaba's struggles to make an impact against Portugal] it was difficult for Alaba in this new position, but I think he did that well, with (winger) Martin Harnik they closed down many positions in defence. Alaba did what he was supposed to. He helped the side, supported his team mates."
Iceland joint-coach Heimier Hallgrimsson has hinted that his side may adopt a more defensive approach against Austria to ensure progression to the next round. He said: "If someone had given us the option of having this position before the tournament we would have gladly taken it. We've done quite well even though we have been pushed back.
“We've created some good chances so maybe that is the way against Austria, to stay back and let them come... They seem to be a little bit lacking in the two games they've played. Let's hope it will continue...They have really good organisation but they also have really good individuals and that's a lethal combination."
Live Stream and Kick-off time
The match will be live from 21:30 IST (Wednesday), 17:00 BST (Wednesday). Watch live streaming of Iceland vs Austria on SonyLIV. Follow Iceland vs Austria, Euro 2016 Live Score and Commentary with Sportskeeda. The match will be telecasted live on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in India, Fox Sports in the USA and Premier Sports in the UK. The match will be played at the Stade de France in Paris.
Team News
Iceland have three players in their ranks, who are one booking away from being suspended for their knockout stage clash. Captain Aron Gunnarsson is expected to shake off a groin injury and be available for the crunch clash.
Central defender Aleksandar Dragovic is available for selection for Das Team after serving his suspension for the red card he received in the game against Hungary.
Austria must decide whether to recall centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic, who has completed a one-game ban following his red card against Hungary. Zlatko Junuzovic is a doubt for the game having not yet recovered from his ankle injury.
Probable Line-Ups
Iceland – Halldorsson; Sævarsson, R Sigurdsson, Arnason, Skulason; Gudmundsson, Gunnarsson, G Sigurdsson, B Bjarnason; Sigthorsson, Bödvarsson.
Austria – Almer; Klein, Prödl, Dragovic, Fuchs; Baumgartlinger, Alaba; Harnik, Schöpf, Arnautovi; Janko
Form guide (Most recent first)
Iceland – DDWLW
Austria: DLLWL
Head to Head record
- Austria and Iceland have played against each other three times before, with Austria winning once and the other two games ending in a draw.
- The last time these two teams met was in a friendly in Innsbruck in May 2014 when Kolbeinn Sigthorsson equalised after Marcel Sabitzer's opener for Austria.
- The only competitive encounter between the countries was played in the 1990 World Cup qualifiers. The sides drew 0-0 in Reykjavik while Austria won 2-1 in Salzburg.
Match Prediction
Austria will want to register a win and strengthen their bid of qualifying to the knockouts, on the other hand, Iceland will also want to take at least a point from the match and will then look to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Given the presence of a couple of world class players in the Austrian ranks, we predict a 2-1 win for Austria.
