New Delhi: It's hard to believe that a nation with just 3,30,000 people got their football team into the quarter-finals of a competition, where mere qualification would be considered as a big achievement. This is the story of Iceland whose coach is apparently a part-time dentist and has been giving root-canal treatments to some of the great footballing nations.
Once considered as minnows, Iceland now face the hosts France for a place in the semi-finals. A one-sided affair on paper, this clash has all the ingredients to be an epic encounter between two sides with very different approach to the game.
Iceland's co-coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson has already fired warning at Didier Deschamps by stating that his side are yet to play their best football in the tournament. With a place in the final four at stake, Hallgrimsson will be hoping his squad implements what he said on pitch.
While Didier Deschamps France are yet to know their best starting XI, Iceland use their enthusiasm and 'nothing to lose' attitude in giving the opposition a run for their money.There is a big difference in the pressure on both sides. The French nation simply cannot afford to lose the game tonight, while the Icelanders will be happy even with a good performance against the hosts.
Iceland qualified on back of a stunning 2-1 victory over England, France had to dig deep for a come back 2-1 victory over Norther Ireland.
