Portugal vs Iceland ( 1-1 ) with video highlights
Birkir Bjarnason made history for Iceland, scoring the equalising goal
for the spirited minnows to earn a valuable point against a disjointed
and misfiring Portugal side.
This is becoming a tournament in which teams of individuals are being upstaged by teams full of spirit: Belgium, Austria and now Portugal.
Iceland had nowhere near the talent of that Portugal team but the spirit they showed was fantastic. They had belief. A small nation made a big noise...
As for Portugal, well, their build up play was fine but Ronaldo seemed at odd with his midfield. The understanding wasn’t there, particularly in the second half. He had one very good chance and a few half-chances but that was that. The best opportunities came for Nani. --»The Guardian.com
In what was the final first-round fixture at this summer's European Championships, Fernando Santos' side controlled the first half and deservedly took the lead through former Manchester United winger Nani on 31 minutes.
But the Portuguese were unable to push on, and they were pegged back when Birkir Bjarnason emphatically volleyed the Icelanders level five minutes after the interval.
Iceland then produced a resolute defensive display as Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo failed to inspire his nation to victory in their Group F opener.--» Skysports.com
Ronaldo equalled Luis Figo's record number of caps with both the Portugal legends now on 127 appearances.
However, it was a quiet night for the Real Madrid forward, who failed to become the first man to score in four European Championships, as he was frustrated by Iceland's dogged defence and a great display from goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.
Iceland, the tiny North Atlantic island nation of 330,000 people, is the smallest country by population ever to feature at a Euro finals.
Their small band of supporters ensured one corner of the Stade Geoffrey Guichard was a sea of blue shirts and exploded in celebration after Bjarnason's equaliser.
A draw means it is all to play for in Group F after Hungary shocked Austria 2-0 earlier in Bordeaux to register their first win at a major finals for 30 years.
Portugal face the highly-touted Austrians next in Paris, whilst Iceland take on pool leaders Hungary in Marseille on Saturday, June 18th.--» France24.com
This is becoming a tournament in which teams of individuals are being upstaged by teams full of spirit: Belgium, Austria and now Portugal.
Iceland had nowhere near the talent of that Portugal team but the spirit they showed was fantastic. They had belief. A small nation made a big noise...
As for Portugal, well, their build up play was fine but Ronaldo seemed at odd with his midfield. The understanding wasn’t there, particularly in the second half. He had one very good chance and a few half-chances but that was that. The best opportunities came for Nani. --»The Guardian.com
In what was the final first-round fixture at this summer's European Championships, Fernando Santos' side controlled the first half and deservedly took the lead through former Manchester United winger Nani on 31 minutes.
But the Portuguese were unable to push on, and they were pegged back when Birkir Bjarnason emphatically volleyed the Icelanders level five minutes after the interval.
Iceland then produced a resolute defensive display as Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo failed to inspire his nation to victory in their Group F opener.--» Skysports.com
Ronaldo equalled Luis Figo's record number of caps with both the Portugal legends now on 127 appearances.
However, it was a quiet night for the Real Madrid forward, who failed to become the first man to score in four European Championships, as he was frustrated by Iceland's dogged defence and a great display from goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.
Iceland, the tiny North Atlantic island nation of 330,000 people, is the smallest country by population ever to feature at a Euro finals.
Their small band of supporters ensured one corner of the Stade Geoffrey Guichard was a sea of blue shirts and exploded in celebration after Bjarnason's equaliser.
A draw means it is all to play for in Group F after Hungary shocked Austria 2-0 earlier in Bordeaux to register their first win at a major finals for 30 years.
Portugal face the highly-touted Austrians next in Paris, whilst Iceland take on pool leaders Hungary in Marseille on Saturday, June 18th.--» France24.com
Match video highlights:
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