ICELAND STUNS THE THREE LIONS, BOOK A PLACE IN THE QUARTER-FINALS
Iceland celebrating |
England have been knocked
out of Euro 2016 after a 2-1 defeat by Iceland in one of the biggest shocks in
European Championship history.
Wayne Rooney gave Roy
Hodgson's side a fourth-minute lead from the penalty spot at the Allianz
Riviera on Monday, but two goals in 12 minutes turned the match in Iceland's
favour, setting up a quarter-final clash against France.
Ragnar Sigurdsson got them
back on level terms (six) before a mistake by Joe Hart allowed a tame shot from
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to put the minnows in front (18).
Harry Kane headed straight
at Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson in the second half but England
barely threatened his goal as their tournament ended with a whimper.
Defeat in
such ignominious circumstances means the inquest into their elimination will
now begin, as the England manager confirms his retiring minutes after the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Iceland's
fairy tale tournament continues and they can look forward to a quarter-final
meeting with host nation France at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Hodgson made six changes
from the goalless draw against Slovakia, opting to recall Raheem Sterling, and
the winger earned England an early penalty, latching on to Daniel Sturridge's
pass before tumbling under the challenge of Halldorsson.
And Rooney, on the occasion
he equalled David Beckham's record of 115 England caps for an outfield player,
made no mistake from 12 yards.
England were ahead for just
84 seconds as an Aron Gunnarsson long throw was flicked on by Kari Arnason and
turned home by Ragnar Sigurdsson.
It got better for Iceland
12 minutes later when Sigthorsson slotted his side in front, leaving England
stunned. The Nantes striker was allowed too much space on the edge of the box
but Hart, who got a hand to the shot, allowed it to squirm over the line.
England dominated
possession as in previous matches but once again struggled to carve out chance.
A volley from Kane forced
Halldorsson into a smart save while Chris Smalling headed over from close range
at the back post, but Iceland's stubborn rear-guard comfortably saw in
half-time.
Jack Wilshere and Jamie
Vardy were introduced after the break but Iceland created the second half's
first big opportunity when Hart denied Ragnar Sigurdsson's overhead kick from
point-blank range.
Dele Alli misfired from 12
yards as England's frustrations mounted and time ticked away; Iceland
succeeding in forcing their opponents into hopeful shots from distance.
A cute pass from Wilshere
presented Kane with his clearest opportunity with 11 minutes to play, but the
Tottenham striker placed his header straight at Halldorsson.
Gunnarsson had the chance
to exacerbate England's embarrassment, breaking through on goal and holding off
the challenge of Wilshere, but the Cardiff City midfielder saw his effort
palmed clear by Hart.
Vardy almost nabbed a
dramatic leveller in stoppage time but fantastic defending by Arnason
re-directed the striker's header out for a corner.
The final whistle was
greeted by jubilant celebrations by the Iceland players and staff, while
England's players were left dejected and Hodgson headed straight down the
tunnel.
Source: skynews
ICELAND STUNS THE THREE LIONS, BOOK A PLACE IN THE QUARTER-FINALS
Reviewed by adeyemo nathaniel
on
Monday, June 27, 2016
Rating:
No comments: