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ICELAND

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What can be said about Iceland that hasn't been said already? It is truly remarkable that a country with a population of just over 350,000 has found themselves on the world's biggest stage. Qualifying for Euro 2016 was a wonderful accomplishment but to be invited to the pinnacle of the sport is an achievement on another level. This premier World Cup qualification is the result of a fine investment in coaching, player development and infrastructure on the island. The team is full of warriors, all who have gone through a very rigorous Icelandic football program that has now become synonymous with producing capable talent. A quarter-final run in Euro 2016 and the fact that this team topped a qualifying group containing Croatia and Ukraine is an indication of good these group of players are. With 46 Premier League goals and a boatload of assist on his résumé, Gylfi Sigurðsson is Iceland's leading light. Injury troubles leading up to tournament might be a slight hurdle for the midfielder. But if fit his goals, creativity and set-piece quality can harm any rival. Gudmundsson, Hallfredsoon and captain Gunnarsson will do the dirty work that would give Sigurðsson the time he needs. Upfront, Alfred Finnbogason has led Augsburg's forward line well and will do the same for Iceland. An interesting inclusion is PSV's  20 year old, Albert Guðmundsson. The anointed prince of a famed Icelandic footballing family, Guðmundsson, has many are excited about his sky-high potential.

 

Head Coach: Heimir Hallgrímsson

 

Population: 337,000

 

Appearances: 0

 

Best: N/A

 

How they Qualified: Iceland was amazing in World Cup qualifying. The team's form, especially at home, showed why the Euro run was not a fluke. Iceland was flawless at home winning all five home matches. This great form saw them win their group and automatically qualify for Russia.

 

Star Players: Gylfi Sigurdsson(Everton), Johann Berg Gudmundsson(Burnley), AlfredFinnbogason(Augsburg), Aaron Gunnarsson(Cardiff), Emil Hallfredsson(Udinese)

 

Wildcard: Björn Sigurdarson-The former Wolves striker is fighting for a starting place on the Iceland team.  Not always favoured by the national team and was omitted from the Euro 2016 squad, Sigurdarson has been impressing the Icelandic coaching staff and could have a huge role to play at the World Cup. 

 

Legend:Eiður Guðjohnsen 

 

GOALKEEPERS

 

Hannes Thor Halldorsson-Randers FC(Denmark)

 

Runar Alex Runarsson-Nordsjaelland(DEnmark)

 

Frederik Schram-Roskilde(Denmark)

 

 

DEFENDERS

 

Birkir Mar Saevarsson-Valur(Iceland)

 

Ragnar Sigurdsson-Rostov(Russia)

 

Kari Arnason-Aberdeen(Scotland)

 

Ari Freyr Skulason-Lokeren(Belgium)

 

Sverrir Ingi Ingason-Rostov(Russia) 

 

Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson-Bristol City(England) 

 

Samuel Kari Fridridsson-Valerenga(norway) 

 

Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson-Levski Sofia(Bulgaria)

 

 

 

MIDFIELDERS

 

Aaron Einar Gunnarsson-Cardiff(Wales)

 

Gylfi Sigurdsson-Everton(England) 

 

 

Emil Hallfredsson-Udinese(Italy)

 

Birkir Bjarnason-Aston Villa(England)

 

Johann Berg Gudmundsson-Burnley(England)

 

Olafur Ingi Skulason-Karabukspor(Turkey)

 

Arnor Ingvi Traustason-Malmo(Sweden) 

 

Rurik Gislason-Sandhausen(Germany)

 

 

 

FoRWARDS

 

Alfred Finnbogason-Augsburg(Germany) 

 

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson-Reading(England)

 

Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson-Rostov(Russia) 

 

Albert Gudmundsson-PSV Eindhoven(Holland)

 

 

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