Iceland players congratulate their teammate Kolbeinn Sigthorsson after he scored during the Euro 2016 round of 16
Somehow, a classic encounter between Germany and Italy is not the main attraction of the quarterfinal-stage at the European Championship.
Iceland’s next act in what is already one of the most surprising stories in European Championship history is the match that’s drawing most attention.
Can the team, which surprised so many by beating England 2-1 in the round of 16, do the same to host France when they meet at the Stade de France in Saint-
Denis?
The island nation of just 330,000 people has undoubtedly taken the spotlight from all the others in the final eight, including Wales, which other times would be basking in its underdog status. And it’s overshadowed other themes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for an elusive first title with Portugal.
A truly memorable day in European Championship history whetted appetites for the quarterfinals.
Two-time defending champion Spain lost to an Italian team that’s defied its old reputation for dour, defensive play.
That was just a warm-
up act.
Iceland’s 2-1 victory over England is one of the most surprising results in European Championship history. After all, as England great Gary Lineker quipped on Twitter, Iceland has more volcanoes than professional soccer players.
Next up for Iceland: France in its national stadium on Sunday (Monday, 3am). Now, home fans are starting to believe their team can replicate the Euro 1984 and 1998 World Cup teams by winning on home soil.
But, given what happened to England, and others, French fans will likely be a little wary now about the match that concludes the quarterfinals.
Iceland, in its first appearance at the European Championship, has other achievements to brag about. The team also drew 1-1 with Portugal, daring to celebrate to the seeming annoyance of Ronaldo.
Then came the late drama of Iceland’s last two group games against Hungary and Austria; the global discovery of national TV’s hysterical match commentator; culminating in the delicious upset of England. AP
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