In the build up to Euro 2016, ThatsMags.com will be profiling Euro 2016 Beijing Fans from the countries taking part in the tournament in France. Representing Iceland is Elvar Berg, Restaurant Manager at Arrow Factory.
Iceland, Group F
Opponents: Austria, Portugal & Hungary
Odds: 80/1
Greatest moment ever?
Well, qualifying for Euro 2016 was obviously an alright moment, to be fair. But honestly, our greatest moment was probably convincing Lars Lägerback to leave the Nigerian national team to come and guide Iceland to a World Cup playoff, where we lost to the annoyingly good Croatia. Of course it took a Swede to take all these unassuming, individually insignificant pieces and put together an ergonomically-structured, good-looking and highly-functional team. Some kind of a human Rimforsa work bench, if you will.
Greatest moment in Euros?
Well, qualifying for the Euros for the first time was pretty decent. Beating the Netherlands both home and away on our way there made that journey so much better.
Worst moment ever?
The abysmal loss to our colonial rulers of Denmark 14-2 in 1967. We don’t talk about that.
Worst moment in Euros?
Previously, we haven’t got close to qualifying for the Euros. It has just been a solid string of bad moments. But I’m sure there will be quite a few new ones in the not-so-distant future.
Where you and your countrymen (and women) will be watching it in Beijing?
I’m gathering all my 20ish fellow country folk in Beijing to join me at Arrow Factory Brewing on Liangmahe Nanlu, where I will be serving a shot of Icelandic Brennivín for every goal Iceland scores in the competition (own goals not accepted). Arrow Factory will also be showing other games during the Euros. Just call and ask what we will be showing each night. All football enthusiasts, dabblers and those new to the sport are welcome as well.
Song(s) the fans sing?
Most players have their own chant. Gudjohnsen’s, for example, goes to the tune of one-hit-wonder Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby.” Then there is, of course, the fans' favorite – the off-key, pre- and post-game singing of the national anthem.
Biggest rivals?
Denmark. Not only our colonial masters for centuries, but they also gave us that previously mentioned thrashing in ’67. Too bad the Danes didn’t make it to the Euros. Too bad indeed.
Star Man?
Iceland’s best player these days is undeniably Gylfi Sigurðsson, currently playing for Swansea. A prolific attacking midfielder with the capabilities to score from anywhere. But Eiður Smári Guðjohnsen, at the ripe old age of 63 and having played about 400 games with the national team and having titles with Chelsea and Barcelona under his belt, will certainly be a huge asset.
One to watch?
There’s been a buzz about Arnór Ingvi Traustason (#16) recently. Follow him closely, if not only for his pretty hair.
Bad Boy?
They are all good guys really, but I’m betting on our captain, Aron Gunnarsson, playing for Cardiff, will be the first one to get a card. If that means he will have to injure Ronaldo in the opening minutes of the first game against Portugal, so be it.
Boy Blunder?
On a good day, our boys are all fully capable of extraordinary blunders. On a bad day, well, we’ll see. Iceland’s weakest point is definitely at the back, both defense and goalkeeping. If they don’t stay focused, it will end badly.
Heart Throb?
Gudjohnsen (below) might have the body of Ronaldo’s older, much fatter brother and a face that is aging like a well-used saddle, but to me it is still worthy of a good sitting. Traustason is also a quite beautiful specimen. Overall, I would put the Icelandic team in top five of the best looking teams in the Euros, but hey, I might be biased.
So what are your chances?
It’s pretty much either all or nothing, so nothing is the most logical bet. But logic also says that Iceland shouldn’t even be in the Euros, so anything is really possible. Either way, per capita, Iceland is by far the best team in the world, never mind Europe, and in the end, isn’t that all that matters?
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