Sigurdsson shines, helping Iceland qualify for the World Cup for the first time

The small Northern European country defeated Kosovo 2-0 at home on the night of October 9, becoming the smallest country in terms of population to ever participate in the World Cup finals.

Goals: Sigurdsson 40', Gudmundsson 68'

Following their achievement of reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, Iceland continued to surprise by topping Group I, ahead of Croatia, Ukraine and Türkiye. This achievement marked the spectacular rise of the football of the island nation, as six years ago, they were ranked 104th in the FIFA rankings, five places lower than Vietnam.

“Maestro” Gylfi Sigurdsson scored both goals for the home team in yesterday’s win over Kosovo on October 9. His opening goal was entirely based on individual skill. Meanwhile, his second assist showed that the $58 million player knows how to use the collective strength.

Iceland fans at home stadium Reykjavik excited about their first World Cup achievement. Photo: AP.

Iceland started slowly, even though they had to win to secure their ticket to Russia. The home team gradually increased the speed, making it impossible for Kosovo to keep up. In the 40th minute, the away team's defender fumbled the ball to Sigurdsson's feet, right outside the 16m50 box. The Everton midfielder deftly feinted, got past Bajram Jashanica and shot past goalkeeper Samir Ujkani.

The opening goal gave the hosts a chance to play comfortably. Kosovo, in their first World Cup qualifiers, also failed to put enough pressure on their opponents.

Icelanders secured their ticket to Russia next summer when they doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Sigurdsson dribbled straight into the middle, combined with his teammate and crossed the ball inside. Lightning-quick, Gudmundsson cut in and tapped the ball into the roof of the net. At Laugardalur Stadium, nearly 10,000 spectators began to celebrate.

Sigurdsson (number 10) shined with a goal and an assist. Photo: AP.

Iceland finished the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with 22 points from 10 games, scoring 16 goals with a goal difference of +9. Second-placed Croatia qualified for the play-offs. Iceland also became the first country with a population of less than one million to qualify for the World Cup (around 330,000). The previous record was held by Trinidad and Tobago in 2006 (1.4 million).

According to VNE