Iceland vs Austria: EURO 2016 Group F Preview & Prediction

Iceland know that a win against Austria in their final Group F match in Paris would guarantee them a spot in the knockout stages of Euro 2016 – their first-ever major tournament.

Despite having a population of just 330,000, three points could also be enough to see them finish at the summit above Portugal and Hungary, depending on the outcome of that clash at the same time on Wednesday evening.

Iceland have picked up two points from their two matches so far, drawing 1-1 against Portugal on the opening matchday, before being denied a win against Hungary in Marseille on Saturday because of Birkir Saevarsson’s 87th-minute own goal.

A draw could also be enough to see them through, as they would finish second if Portugal are beaten, while a point would also guarantee them a third-placed finish, and a chance to be one of the four best third-placed teams.

Incredibly, Iceland have averaged just 28% of possession in their two matches to date, and they could look to play on the counter attack in the French capital.

Meanwhile, Austria know they must win if they are to have any chance of reaching the last 16, following a disappointing campaign to date, in which players such as Bayern Munich’s David Alaba have failed to impress.

Marcel Koller’s men came to France as many people’s outsiders after going unbeaten in qualifying, but they have endured a frustrating tournament so far, surprisingly being beaten 2-0 by Hungary, before being lucky to escape with a point against Portugal, in a match where Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and a host of other chances.

History isn’t on their side though – they haven’t qualified for the knockout stages of a major tournament since the 1982 World Cup, while none of their last 32 shots at the European Championships have found the net.

These two nations have only met on three previous occasions, with Austria winning once and the other two matches ending in draws, including the last encounter in 2014.

Austria and their star players, such as David Alaba, have been disappointing so far. Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

Iceland captain Aron Gunnarsson is expected to be fit to play despite suffering a groin problem, while Charlton’s Johann Gudmundsson, Alfred Finnbogason and Saevarsson are all one booking away from suspension.

Meanwhile, Koller must decide whether to recall defender Aleksandar Dragovic after he was suspended for the goalless draw against Portugal, while playmaker Zlatko Junuzovic could again miss out because of an ankle injury.

FIFA World Ranking: Iceland – 34th; Austria – 10th
Previous Meeting: Austria 1-1 Iceland (May 30, 2014 – International Friendly)
Form: Iceland – LWLWDD; Austria – WLWLLD
Key Men: Iceland – Gylfi Sigurdsson; Austria – David Alaba
Shoot Says: Iceland 0-1 Austria