Iceland's last-ditch defeat of Austria confirms historic leap into last 16
"When they don't try to play and just defend, defend, defend this in my opinion shows a small mentality and are not going to do anything in the competition." - Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portugal star's sour words following his country's 1-1 draw with Iceland may ring in his ears for some time, after Euro 2016's greatest-ever minnow trumped Austria to finish above Ronaldo's side in Group F and secure a place in the knockout rounds.
The decisive strike in the 2-1 thriller in Saint-Denis came in the most dramatic of circumstances. After soaking up an incredible amount of pressure for much of the second stanza, Iceland streaked forward on a counter attack, which culminated in Elmar Bjarnason teeing up Arnor Ingvi Traustason for a 94th-minute winner.
Although Portugal advances into the Round of 16 due to providing one of the best third-place finishes in the tournament, it doesn't prevent the blushes of Ronaldo & co. They were expected to top the group with ease.
Iceland, through the co-management of Lars Lagerback and part-time dentist Heimir Hallgrimsson, surpassed expectations in reaching its first-ever major tournament at the Netherlands' expense. Now, it has unbelievably claimed a prestigious meeting with England in Euro 2016's last 16. Not bad for an island of 330,000, eight percent of whom are in France to see this incredible tale.
Related: England meets Iceland in Round of 16 after stunning turn of events
Iceland could've been forgiven for another cagey outing as a point was enough for a Round of 16 spot, but it started brightly as it looked to capitalise on Austria opting for an expansive midfield and attack in front of a back three.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has certainly done enough to earn a move away from English third-tier outfit Charlton Athletic this summer, his early rasping drive from around 30 yards crashing back off the crossbar further strengthening his case.
A lapse from goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson almost let in the mercurial Marco Arnautovic moments later, but it was Iceland who deservedly took the lead. Aron Gunnarsson has been superb so far this tournament, and he flung a throw-in which, via a flick-on, fell to the feet of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson on the penalty spot. Bodvarsson's first touch and composed finish certainly didn't belong to a forward who wasn't trusted for much of his country's qualification bid, nor was it the slickness of a player found wanting for form in the Bundesliga II at club level.
Related - Watch: Bodvarsson slides home to continue Iceland's dream run
Austria was struggling for incisiveness in attack, and David Alaba was unable to orchestrate things in the middle, but a lifeline was handed to Marcel Koller's side on 37 minutes when the Bayern Munich star was hauled down in the area. Somewhat surprisingly, Aleksandar Dragovic stepped up to take the penalty, and cracked it against the upright to add to the red card he received in his country's opener. A miserable Euro 2016 for such a highly-regarded defender.
Austria ended the first stanza with decent rhythm, but Koller reverted to his preferred 4-2-3-1 at half-time by introducing Marc Janko and Schopf in place of Stefan Ilsanker and Sebastian Prodl - and the tweaks triggered a strong start to the final 45 minutes. The Schopf introduction paid off when he slalomed through the Icelandic defence to finish off a great team move.
Austria was on the ascendancy and Iceland held on by its fingertips. Janko threatened to match Iceland's physicality in defence, while Alaba and Julian Baumgartlinger began to dictate things in midfield.
But somehow Strakarnir okkar stood firm and sparked emotional scenes when Traustason bagged his shock winner. The land of fire and ice has made tectonic shifts on the international stage, and it would take a brave punter to bet against it when it faces a disjointed England on Monday.
