Iceland manager Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says it would be foolhardy for anyone to underestimate his team in the Russia 2018 World Cup after they earned a point in their David versus Goliath fixture against Argentina at Spartak Stadium in Moscow on Saturday.
Augsburg forward Alfred Finnbogason secured a 1-1 draw for the tiny European country after he rifled home in the 22nd minute to make history as the first-ever player to score Iceland’s goal in the World Cup after Sergio Aguero’s 18th minute goal.
Powerhouse Argentina were gifted an opportunity to win the match from the spot through Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi but Hannes Halldorsson emerged as Iceland hero as he palmed Messi’s shot away.
And Hallgrimsson, who will lead the World Cup debutants in the second group game against Nigeria at in Volgograd on June 22, says Our Boys will aim to pull off another shock result.
“We are more unpredictable now, and hopefully we’ll show that in the competition,” the 51-year-old dentist said.
He said Iceland were able to come out with a point against Argentina because “We are bluntly honest about our ability”.
He said, “We know how we can win football matches. It is just a fact that Argentina have superior individuals with superior skills and if we go one-on-one with them you don’t need to ask who will win the game. We have to play in a special way and we have a clear identity.”
Hallgrimsson hinted that he would abandon the team’s traditional 4-4-2 formation and play negative tactics against the Eagles like they did against Argentina.
“We are a nightmare to play against and we can beat anybody when we have our day.”
Source: AFP
