In spite of a good start, the Icelandic men’s football team lost 2-1 against Scotland in the qualifying round for the 2010 World Championship at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavík yesterday.
According to Fréttabladid, Iceland was the better team for the longest part of the game but had problems with creating opportunities for goals. Scotland on the other hand took advantage of the opportunities they had.
“I’m disappointed about having lost the games but am in many ways satisfied with how we played,” Iceland’s coach Ólafur Jóhannesson said. “The better team lost the game. On a good day and when we contribute with 110 percent we are no worse than Norway and Scotland.”
Icelandic striker Eidur Smári Gudjohnsen blew a great opportunity when he missed the goal in the 16th minute of the game. Only two minutes later Kirk Broadfoot of Scotland scored the first goal of the game.
In the second half Scotland earned a penalty kick and although Iceland’s goal keeper Kjartan Sturluson deflected the goal, Robson scored with his second shot while the Icelandic players stood by motionless and watched.
With about 15 minutes left in the game, Stephen McManus hit the ball with his hand and Iceland was given a penalty kick from which Gudjohnsen scored, narrowing the gap to 1-2. Iceland blew all chances for a tie so that was the final score of the game.
The atmosphere at the game yesterday was rousing. Many Scottish fans came to Reykjavík to watch their team play and have been spotted walking the streets of the capital wearing kilts for the past few days.
In honor of the game, the Scottish fan club Tartan Army Sunshine made a donation to the Icelandic charity Hringurinn, which supports the eponymous children’s hospital, Morgunbladid reports.
Iceland tied Norway last weekend.
Click here to read more about that game.
