The Icelandic women’s football team drew 1-1 against the Czech Republic today in a World Cup qualifier. Iceland was in pole position to qualify for the World Cup, which will take place in France next year, ahead of these last two matches in Group 5.
After being down 0-1 for the majority of the match, an equalizer from Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir brought Iceland level in the 87th minute. Iceland had the perfect chance to snatch the win in additional time but Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir missed a penalty which would have secured Iceland’s place in the play-offs.
Iceland lost 0-2 against group leaders Germany where a win would have sealed Iceland’s qualification. A win today versus the Czech Republic might have sealed Iceland’s spot in the World Cup playoffs, provided results in other groups went Iceland’s way. The four best 2nd placed sides from the 7 European qualification groups advance to the play-offs.
The Icelandic women’s team has previously gone to the final stage of the EURO competition three times. This would have been the first time Iceland competes at the World Cup finals. The team is currently ranked the 19th best team in the world, according to the FIFA world rankings.
