Euro 2024: Euro Dreams Have Come True for Both these Nations – Can They Again?

Iceland vs Portugal

Euro 2024 qualifying is progressing apace and this match-up in Reykjavik draws a long campaign for both nations to a close.

Now it goes without saying that the side ranked 64th in the FIFA world rankings should not realistically trouble the nation placed ninth.

Roberto Martinez has recently taken charge of the Portuguese and is out to maintain momentum in a qualifying pool his team should top.

Yet Iceland have risen to the occasion against more illustrious opponents on more than one occasion over the past decade so should we expect some Euro 2024 qualifying highlights from many people’s second favourite international team?

Talking Points

That tag arose during Euro 2016 when the smallest nation ever to appear at major finals finished second in their group and unbeaten (which included a draw against Portugal and a win over Austria).

In the round of 16, they famously beat England 2–1 before finally bowing out to hosts France in the quarter-finals.

Not only did they supply the most memorable storyline of the tournament but mentality-wise they demonstrated something vast. That sentiment was not just for the magical month they spent in France but in the bigger picture – a dedicated programme, years in the making, to provide youngsters with ample inviting spaces to play football, protected by the elements by high, bubble-structures and with coaches educated to a high standard.

The rewards that summer captivated their nation, and around one tenth of the population travelled to the Euro to see it with their own eyes.

As a footnote, that tournament was the first time I heard a sound like no other: the ‘volcano clap’ (or ‘Viking clap’) with a ‘huh’ chant which could be heard throughout all five games they played.

Their population of around 360,000 will always see them as massive underdogs but the Icelandic people will also always passionately follow their team which began their qualifying campaign with a 3-0 loss to Bosnia before hitting seven without reply past Liechtenstein and then being edged out at home by Slovakia.

Next up at home is Portugal in what should be a milestone occasion for one of the world’s greats.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play his 200th game for the international team, a nation in which has become the greatest ever player from their shores and possibly the globe – no mean feat when you think Portugal was also the birthplace of Eusebio and Luis Figo.

Since his senior debut in 2003, the start of a long and distinguished international career, the boy from Madeira has gone onto stand alone as the record holder for most international appearances, having played more times for his country than any other man.

He also comfortably presides over another record – most international appearances and most international goals – and don’t be surprised if he adds to his tally on the night further history is made.

It may be some time before we witness such a feat again and fans of both nations will no doubt afford him the welcome befitting a legend of the game.

History

When they last met, in their respective opening match of Euro 2016, the scoreline surprised many.

Both nations went onto have superb tournaments with Iceland going all the way to the quarter-finals and causing one of the biggest shocks in football history as they eliminated England in the last 16,

Portugal, of course, were crowned champions of Europe after beating France on home turf.

Their Euro 2016 adventure started with a 1-1 draw in Saint-Etienne with Nani putting the Portuguese in front before Birkir Bjarnason levelled things up five minutes into the second half – and that was how it stayed.

Their only two previous meetings had come in Euro 2012 qualifying.

Ronaldo, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga were on target in a 3-1 win in Reykjavik.

Heidar Helguson scored for the hosts.

The return match saw Portugal edge an eight-goal thriller with Nani (two), Postiga, Joao Moutinho and Eliseu finding the net in a 5-3 win.

Hallgrimur Jonasson (two) and a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty helped ensure Icelandic pride.

Betting Tip

It’s three wins out of three for Portugal in qualifying so far and the SBOTOP Euro 2024 qualifying betting odds expect it to be four out of four come Tuesday night.

So do I, and that is why I am plumping for an away success, which will all bar end, Iceland’s own qualification hopes realistically. The sheer talent and goal power in their ranks should see them through.

 

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