Euro success will change footballers’ lives: Iceland co-coach

Jul 4, 2016 at 5:23 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Euro success will change footballers’ lives: Iceland co-coach

Paris, July 4 (IANS) Iceland co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson believes his footballers are not yet aware of the fact of what they have achieved and said their lives will never be the same again.

Most thought Iceland had done exceedingly well in just qualifying for the quadrennial event but they pulled off a surprising draw with Portugal in the first game and then ousted England from the round of 16.

However, their dream run ended as hosts France beat them 5-2 in the quarter-finals here on Sunday.

“I think that will sink in a few days when they start to read the papers and see what has been written,” Hallgrimsson was quoted as saying by goal.com.

“You lose all the media thing when you’re in the tournament and you don’t see the TV, especially the Icelandic TV, so I think it will sink in really quickly after the tournament,” the co-coach added.

“It will change their lives, you wait and see.”

The co-coach further stated that the nation of around 3,30,000 people was proud of their achievement.

“Icelanders are really proud of this achievement and you can see that in the numbers, both the numbers that came here and also those who came together in Reykjavik and everywhere to watch the games.

“So I think it has brought the nation closer to each other and that’s fantastic when you are a part of something that does that.”

Hallgrimsson also believes the supporters and fans will forgive them for their 2-5 loss to France.

“Hopefully, they’re not throwing eggs at us after this performance. I think the fans, how appreciative they are to the players, and what is also fantastic is that the players showed their appreciation to the fans,” he joked.

“It’s funny that we lost 5-2 and all the French fans had gone home yet still the Icelandic fans were there cheering the team on, and that’s fantastic.”

Related Article
IPL 2019: Iceland Mystery Spinner Kató Jónsson rolls over arm for Kings XI Punjab
IPL 2019: Iceland Mystery Spinner Kató Jónsson rolls over arm for Kings XI Punjab

Apr 1, 2019, 8:09 PM


Batshuayi leads Belgium 2-0 over Iceland
Batshuayi leads Belgium 2-0 over Iceland

Nov 16, 2018, 2:50 PM


World Cup: Croatia beat Iceland to top Group D
World Cup: Croatia beat Iceland to top Group D

Jun 27, 2018, 11:52 AM


World Cup: Spirited Iceland hold Argentina
World Cup: Spirited Iceland hold Argentina

Jun 17, 2018, 11:16 AM


Peru continue winning streak with 3-1 win against Iceland
Peru continue winning streak with 3-1 win against Iceland

Mar 28, 2018, 2:52 PM


Iceland Qualify For Their First World Cup
Iceland Qualify For Their First World Cup

Oct 10, 2017, 11:10 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner