Iceland 2-1 Austria: Euro 2016 – as it happened!

Read Jamie Jackson’s report:

That was truly bonkers, and what a crazy finish. So, Iceland have made history while Austria exit this summer’s European Championship, after registering just one point from three matches. Group winners Hungary and third-placed Portugal also prevail from Group F. Enjoy the rest of the day, and thanks for your company, emails and tweets. Bye!

“If you’d ask me twenty years ago or ten years ago whether Iceland would ever win a game at the European Championships, I would have laughed,” says Kári, via email. “Heck, if you’d asked me five years ago or two years ago, the response would have been the same. Now Iceland have booked a second round tie against England.”

So, next up for Iceland is England on Monday in Nice. Until Traustason’s stoppage-time winner against Austria, it would have been Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the next round.

These are incredible scenes at the Stade de France. Iceland supporters and players are mimicking each others vigorous clapping, before they both erupt in to wild celebrations. Austria, meanwhile, are quite literally on the floor. Dragovic, who missed the first-half penalty, is picked up off his feet by the Austria goalkeeper Almer.

Back to the winning goal, then. Austria threw everything they had into the box in search of a second themselves, but Iceland inflicted the suckerpunch with a textbook counterattack. It was 3 v1 in the Austria defence and the substitute Arnór Traustason, who plays for Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna, slid in to send the ball past Almer, after a bursting Iceland run down the right flank. What an ending.

90+4 min: Half of Iceland are on the pitch, all of the bench are on the pitch, an incredible ending.

90+3 min: Arnason gets it clear and Almer heads back towards his goal.

90+2 min: Robert Almer, the Austria goalkeeper is up!

90+2 min: Jantscher does brilliantly to keep the ball in play, Fuchs then blasts at goal. Corner kick.

90+1 min: Austria steal the ball, Christian Fuchs crosses from the left but nobody can send it goalwards. Iceland have a goal kick and there are two minutes to play.

90 min: Iceland win a throw deep inside Austria’s half. They are desperately trying to retain possession.

89 min: The fourth official, Mark Clattenburg, holds up his board to say there will be four added minutes.

89 min: It’s played short and the possession after comes to little more than a brief scare.

89 min: It’s nail-biting stuff. Corner for Austria.

88 min: Janko is being man-marked, and man-marked again. Dragovic tries to find the striker but fails. Austria push forward once more with Hinteregger but his shot from distance is blocked.

87 min: Austria have just three minutes of their Euro 2016 left, unless they can find a late winner. Iceland have one big bank of eleven players behind the ball.

85 min: Theodor Bjarnason wins a clever foul on the left flank. Iceland, then, make their final change. Sverrir Ingason is coming on in place of Johan Gudmundsson, who looks absolutely knackered. He needs a good lie down – or drink.

83 min: Danger averted, but Austria push forward once more. Only the goalkeeper Almer remains in the Austria half.

83 min: Traustason clears the ball for a Austria corner. The Stade de France is shaking wildly.

80 min: Traustason is on for Sigthórsson, presumably to inject some energy more than anything. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Halldorson has been booked for time-wasting. That’s eight yellow cards now for Iceland.

80 min: A nasty clash of heads, just inside the Iceland box, calms proceedings for a moment.

80 min: Alaba’s free-kick, after a silly Iceland foul, forces Halldorson to tip the ball over. It’s a Austria corner.

79 min: Fair play watch: Iceland’s Arnason is booked. That’s their seventh in total in this European Championship.

77 min: Jakob Jantscher enters the fray in place of the impressive Sabitzer for Austria. He’ll be hoping to make a similar impact to the other substitutes at the Stade de France in Paris.

75 min: Iceland look a little weary. Austria are still trying to find a winner. Sabitzer and Schöpf look the most likely to find it. Iceland are camped inside their own half. Can they hold on?

“The rules are indeed confusing,” emails Dave. “Actually, Portugal are ahead of Iceland on goals scored now, not on fair play.” It’s time to put away Uefa’s rulebook just for the time being but there’s still 15 minutes to play in both Group F matches.

72 min: Halldorson makes a fantastic save! Alaba finds Janko, who then threads through to the Austria substitute and goalscorer Schöpf, but Halldorson, who has only been a professional goalkeeper for two years, gets his legs in the way. Big save.

70 min: Austria’s fair play record takes a hit: Janko is booked for a foil on Sigurdsson.

“This is getting a little confusing,” emails Simon. “Tell me, can Scotland still qualify?”

68 min: Huge chance for Janko! Sabitzer crosses, the giant striker nonchalantly steers his effort goalwards but it falls narrowly wide of Halldorson’s post. Great effort, but it’s not enough. Still 1-1.

67 min: Austria are piling forward once more and Iceland have lost their cool.

65 min: Almer manages to keep Sigurdsson’s shot out. The Swansea midfielder hammers an effort goalwards but the goalkeeper beats it away. It’s end-to-end stuff, and proper tournament football, although it does feel like we’re in to the knockout rounds now.

Portugal are up in to second as things stand, purely because of Uefa’s fair play rulings. Hungary have five points, Portugal and Iceland would both have three. Iceland have had six bookings but Portugal have had just two players booked. Pepe, of course, and Ricardo Quaresma. It all feels very cruel.

62 min: Austria are going for what is known as the juggler. Baumgartlinger chips the ball in to Arnautovic, but Ragnar Sigurdsson does superbly to shepherd the striker away from goal.

ANOTHER big goal elsewhere. It’s 3-3 between Hungary and Portugal.

57 min: Bödvarsson juggles the ball in to the box, after good work from his strike-partner, Sigthórsson. He eventually gets a shot away but his volley does not trouble Almer.

As it stands, Portugal would crash out, much to the disappointment of Cristiano Ronaldo. Hungary would top the group, Iceland would be second. As it stands, as it stands, as it stands.

54 min: Who cares what’s happening here? Hungary have just gone 3-2 up against Portugal! No, in all seriousness, Sabitzer went close for Austria, whose tails are up all of sudden.

The standings are indeed confusing. Thanks to Nick, on email, who has attempted to clarify the grey area. “Hungary are currently top rather than Iceland (Hungary have a better goal difference). If Portugal score one more, Iceland wouldn’t be out but would be second (behind Portugal) on fair play.”

Two big goals elsewhere! Ronaldo levels on 50 minutes for Portugal after Hungary took the lead to go 2-1 ahead.

49 min: Gylfi Sigurdsson goes straight up the other end with an effort, but his effort doesn’t cause a problem. He neatly nutmegs Baumgartlinger before shooting wide of goal.

48 min: Sabitzer shouts for another Austria penalty but the referee waives play on. It’s Skulason again who is the guilty party, who slips, but the penalty is not given. The left-back does impede Sabitzer, although unfortunate, and that probably should’ve been another penalty for Austria.

47 min: Arnason does brilliantly to keep the ball out. His outstretched left leg ensures Austria do not have an equaliser. Iceland hoof the ball clear. Panic stations in the Iceland defence.

Austria have made a couple of changes at the break. 6ft5in striker Marc Janko is on, as is the highly-rated Alessandro Schopf. Ilsanker and Prodl are the ones replaced.

Right, for some light brain training. As it stands, Hungary would top Group F, Iceland and Portugal would be locked on the same number of points and the same goal difference. But, and here’s the big but, if Portugal were to score again and Iceland were to win by a one-goal advantage here, then it would go to Uefa’s fair play ruling, as they would have the same goal difference. Using those rules, Iceland would be out because of the number of bookings. As it stands, the fair play record of the two teams is as follows:

Portugal – two bookings

Iceland – six bookings

Uefa’s rules:

“Each team starts with 10 disciplinary points and loses one for each yellow card and three for each red card (a sending-off for two yellow card counts as three points; a player already booked who then commits a straight red card offence costs the team four points). Teams can end up with a negative number.”

The big question at the break? “Please ask MBM regular Kári Tulinius if she is the sister of the wonderful actor and director Thor Tulinius (my mate!),” asks Russell, via email. “And can she wish him both a Happy Birthday (today) and best of luck for all 3 points and a chance to hammer England in the next round.”

45 min: Austria continue to press and Alaba receives the ball before feeding Arnautovic but he cannot get it under control.

43 min: Gunnarsson has a long throw from the right, in exactly the same area their goal came from, but it’s cleared. Both Fuchs and Gunnarsson have a monstrous long throw. It’s a great option to have, isn’t it?

41 min: Fuchs whips in the resulting corner but it comes to nothing. Elsewhere, Nani has levelled for Portugal against Hungary.

40 min: Iceland are dropping deeper and Austria continue to stride forward. Julian Baumgartlinger has an effort from distance, which forces Halldorson to tip over.

38 min: Skulason, who was booked for giving away the penalty, now fouls Baumgartlinger. They have to keep their heads here. Austria certainly don’t look too shot of confidence despite the penalty miss. Austria are growing into this match now.

37 min: Iceland have the ball in the net again but it’s offside. Panic over for Austria, after a bonkers few minutes.

36 min: Why is Dragović on penalty-duty? Alaba and Arnautovic you would have thought would’ve been more sensible options. Regardless, it’s a big let-off for Iceland. Halldorson went the right way, to his right, but Dragović sidefooted the ball against the post.

34 min: Martin Hinteregger’s strike from distance is deflected wide for a Austria corner.

33 min: Iceland are chanting loudly but I can confirm it’s not Will Grigg’s on Fire. Party atmosphere for the Icelandic supporters. The same cannot be said for the Austria fans, who must be wondering where it’s all gone wrong. Still, 60-odd minutes to play.

31 min: A moment’s calm as Iceland take hold of proceedings once more. Iceland, who have a population of under 333,000, are yet to lose at Euro 2016. This wasn’t supposed to happen, but it’s beautiful.

29 min: Arnautovic is picked out by Baumgartlinger. A ball is floated in towards the far post, he gets up to head at goal but it’s over. The crafted topknot doesn’t prevail this time but Arnautovic looks sharp.

28 min: It’s Fuchs, Arnautovic and Alaba involved again. Nobody else is yet to make an impact for Austria. Arnautovic rounds a move, that started down the left flank, with a stinging drive to test Halldorson. Iceland are dropping deeper and deeper.

27 min: Austria cannot get a grip on this at all. Arnautovic is penalised for a tug on Arnason. The Stoke City winger is not too happy with that decision, which was perhaps a little harsh.

26 min: It’s a dream scenario for Iceland, who have a one-goal lead and now practically everybody behind the ball. They’re going through to the round of 16, and as it stands, they will face England in Nice on Monday. It could all change yet, though.

24 min: You feel as though Austria have suddenly realised the predicament they are in. They’re attempting to gain a grip on the game but it’s going to take something special to rattle Iceland on this form.

22 min: Austria are enjoying some possession. Fuchs, as captain, looks rather stressed. Baumgartlinger, of Bayer Leverkusen, shoots from distance but it’s a daisycutter.

21 min: Arnautovic looks lively for Austria, but he is just about the only one. Christian Fuchs now with a long throw of his own. Can he do any damage?

It had been coming. The Kaiserslautern striker Bödvarsson has scored only his second goal for his country. Elsewhere in Group F, Zoltan Gera has put Hungary 1-0 up against Portugal.

14 min: Sigurdsson whips it in, Gunarsson heads it back across goal at the back post and eventually the danger is averted for Austria. Iceland surrounded the Austria goalkeeper, Robert Almer, and that was another uncomfortable moment for Marcel Koller’s side.

14 min: Iceland have the first corner of the match. Gylfi Sigurdsson delivers.

13 min: Iceland are back in Austria’s half. They do not look content with settling for a draw. Bjarnason and Skulason are linking well.

10 min: A great chance for Austria out of nothing. Halldorson, the Iceland keeper, forgets all about the ball from his goal kick and Marko Arnautovic quickly surrounds the stopper, but he cannot get a clean shot at goal. A lack of concentration from the keeper as he takes an age on the ball before allowing Arnautovic in. A let-off for Iceland.

9 min: Sævarsson is penalised for Iceland, he goes a little too high into the tackle. Iceland supporters are not best pleased. Austria have their best spell on the ball – which lasts a matter of seconds – before Alaba wastes possession.

8 min: Alaba sniffs a chance to move forward with the ball but it is snaffled away by Skulason. Marcel Koller’s Austria have seen very little of the ball. That’s not ideal considering they need a win here to make it through to the next round.

6 min: Gylfi Sigurdsson is penalised for a foul but it’s nothing too serious. Iceland manage to get back hold of the ball easily.

4 min: Iceland are on top here early, and they look comfortable in possession. Gudmundsson’s effort was simply brillliant, and just a few inches away from finding the net. It’s been a great start for Lars Lagerback’s side, who are knocking the ball about quite handsomely. Meanwhile, David Alaba is playing very far forward for Austria.

2 min: What an effort! Gudmundsson, the Charlton midfielder, hits the post from distance. Sigurdsson backheels, Gudmundsson picks it up about 25 yards out, he gets the ball out of his feet and takes aim.

1 min: Austria start on the front foot with some early possession but Iceland soon hoof it back upfield.

To the game itself then. Anthems finished, handshakes done. Kick off just a matter of seconds away.

Have some of that, emails Conor. “The entire Bulgarian squad at the 1994 WC had last names ending in “ov”. All 23 of them, not just the starters.”

Back to those lengthy Icelandic surnames. “I’ve no idea if it’s a record or not,” emails Matthew. “But I imagine most teams that Iceland fields have 11 names that end in “-son”, as their surnames are built by adding “-son” (or “-dottir” for girls) to the end of their father’s first name, e.g. Arnason is Arni’s son…”

Austria have to win then, and a draw will be enough to see Iceland through to the round of 16. The teams have just walked out on to the pitch at the Stade de France. In 18 days time, the final will take place here. Now for the anthems.

The teams are in the tunnel. David Alaba is busy high-fiving. Christian Fuchs is having small talk with the match officials.

So, in answer to the big question posed by Finndian, other teams previously must have had similar lineups, tweets Doremus. “I’m sure there must be some Bulgarian tournament XIs that can match that? Maybe Russia and Serbia too?”

Pre-match music. Your thoughts please? Tittaaaaniuuum. Half-and-half scarves duly being thrown into the air.

Kári, who has got in touch via email, says she loves evocative phrases. “My favorite Icelandic one, “turnarnir eru komnir upp völlinn”, translates to “the towers have gone up the field”. It’s used when the centre-backs go up for a corner, and it makes an everyday corner sound like a medieval siege, complete with siege towers rumbling up to the ramparts.” Kári Árnason and Ragnar Sigurdsson, I’m looking at you.

The atmosphere appears to be building nicely at the Stade de France. Seven Nation Army, courtesy of The White Stripes is now blaring. The two teams’ arrival on to the pitch for the anthems is imminent.

Now then ... Finndian has got in touch via Twitter and asked a question you might have the answer too. Or if you don’t the Knowledge will. “Every player’s surname in Iceland’s starting 11 ends with ‘Son’.. Must be some sort of a record..” he says. Well?

Are Iceland out on the pitch? Yes. Are they warming up? Yes? Is Theodor Bjanarson there? Of course he is. Is he doing countless press-ups as the final part of his preparation? Er, yes, yes he is.

The biggest story of the day? This:

Austria are believed to have arrived at the Stade de France later than planned. They’re on the pitch now warming up but Iceland were out first to stretch off.

Eidur Gudjohnsen starts on the bench for Iceland, but like me, he’s very excited for this one:

Ben will be here soon enough. In the meantime, read Ed Aaron’s interview with Iceland’s secret weapon, Thorgrimur Thrainsson:

In the end it was always going to be an easy decision for Thorgrimur Thrainsson. “When I announced I wanted to be the president of Iceland I said that the national team will be No1 and the election No2,” recalls the 57-year-old former defender turned motivational speaker and children’s author. “Little by little I found out that I couldn’t do both at the same time. So I chose to be here with the team instead because it is more important for Iceland to do well in the Euros than it was for me to be president.”

With the elections to succeed Olafur Ragnar Grimsson set to take place on Saturday – less than 48 hours after Iceland’s crucial final match against Austria in Paris on Wednesday evening – Thrainsson really had little choice.

Read the full article here: