Iceland vs Hungary (Tactical Report)

It is obvious Iceland's forte is at the back of the field, having frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. in the first game and a relentless Hungary in this game.

Published : Jun 19, 2016 15:51 IST

Iceland was on its way to a famous victory before an own goal from defender Birkir Saevarsson helped Hungary snatch a point and edge closer to the round of 16. The 1-1 draw leaves Hungary top of the table with four points while Iceland is second with two points.

Iceland led after Gylfi Sigurdsson converted from the penalty spot in the first half (see picture) . However, Hungary did not let the goal deter it as it dominated the game, having the lion’s share of possession (65%) and had 12 attempts on goal albeit without much success. But, as fate would have it, the Hungarians needed a stroke of luck as Saevarsson turned Nemanja Nikolic's cross into his own net to hand Hungary a point.

Despite the heartbreak, Iceland is still in the hunt for a place in the next round as it has all to play for in the final fixture against Austria. The draw will feel like a defeat for the Icelanders but they can draw a lot of positives from the game. It is obvious their forte is at the back of the field, having frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. in the first game and a relentless Hungary in this game. Thanks to its well-disciplined backline Iceland conceded only six goals in qualifying with captain Aron Gunnarsson marshalling his troops from the defensive midfield.

With only one point in its kitty, Austria will feel it has its back to the wall when it faces the disciplined Iceland in the third and final match, result of which decides who goes to the next round and who goes home.

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