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Euro: Iceland advance to last 16 after 2-1 win against Austria

Last updated on: June 23, 2016 01:24 IST

Iceland players celebrate their second goal scored by teammate Arnor Ingvi Traustason during their Euro 2016 Group F match against Austria at Stade de France in Paris, on Wednesday

IMAGE: Iceland players celebrate their second goal scored by teammate Arnor Ingvi Traustason during their Euro 2016 Group F match against Austria at Stade de France in Paris, on Wednesday. Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

Iceland snatched a stoppage-time winner to continue their fairytale story at Euro 2016 by making it through to the last 16 after a deserved 2-1 victory against Austria in their final Group F match on Wednesday.

Iceland end their section second with five points. Austria go out with one point.

In humid conditions at the Stade de France, the islanders had the better chances in the early stages taking the lead in the 18th minute when Jon Dadi Bodvarsson coolly steered the ball home after a flick-on in the box.

Austria, who missed a penalty in the first half and laid siege to Iceland's goal in the second, gave themselves hope when Alessandro Schopf scored in the 60th minute, but Arnor Traustason secured the win in stoppage time.

The Austrians had missed a great chance to equalise in the first half when they were awarded a penalty after David Alaba appeared to be held back in the box by left back Ari Skulason.

Aleksandar Dragovic sank to his knees in despair after hitting the post from the spot, allowing Iceland to hold on to their lead until the break.

Austria's Jakob Jantscher and Iceland's Aron Gunnarsson in action

IMAGE: Austria's Jakob Jantscher and Iceland's Aron Gunnarsson in action. Photograph: Christian Hartmann/Reuters

Austria, who went into their final group game after a defeat by Hungary and a draw with Portugal, were hoping to survive the opening stage of a major tournament for the first time since the 1982 World Cup but it was not to be.

They again lacked firepower and their key player, Alaba, who is used to a more defensive role, looked lost in the playmaker position, which he occupied throughout the tournament.

Iceland, by contrast, offered a spirited display and took their chances bravely.

With a population of about 330,000, which is roughly the size of English city Leicester, home to the newly-crowned Premier League champions, Iceland were cheered on by a strong contingent of noisy fans wearing the side's blue colours.

The Iceland supporters were clearly outnumbered by the red army of Austrian fans but most of the noise came from those in blue, who will always remember the night when they witnessed arguably the most remarkable feat in their country's sporting history.

 

Source: REUTERS
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