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14:29, 16-Jun-2018
Iceland to make first-ever tournament debut against Argentina
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Iceland has a population of just 340,000 people, yet the country still managed to reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 and is now set to play in its first World Cup when it opens against 2014 runner-up Argentina, led by star forward Lionel Messi on June 16.
"Our goal is to progress from the group," said Heimir Hallgrimsson, Iceland's coach. "That is our goal, if you're asking about what we think is good. If we do that, we've left behind two really good teams and then we shouldn't fear anyone who we face after that. So that is how mentally we go into this competition."
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of Iceland during the team's official training before the Group D match against Argentina. /VCG Photo
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of Iceland during the team's official training before the Group D match against Argentina. /VCG Photo
Most of the players in Iceland's 23-man squad for the World Cup also featured on the country's Euro 2016 roster, such as Gylfi Sigurdsson and Aron Gunnarsson. Iceland's fans remain confident their side will rise to the occasion.
"I think team says it all. We don't have famous names but we have a great team. Everyone is talking about Messi. We don't have any names. We have a team. So that is why we have come so far," said a fan of Iceland.