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 If they make it later Tuesday, expect celebrations that last all
night. That would make this North Atlantic island nation of just
320,000 people the smallest in terms of population ever to qualify
for the world's soccer showcase.
To do so, they have to beat Croatia — playing on its home turf in
Zagreb— or hold them to a draw in which Iceland scores at least one
goal. A scoreless draw could lead to a penalty shootout.
Qualifying for the World Cup is an uphill battle, with Croatia rated
far higher in FIFA's world rankings — 18th compared to Iceland's
46th place. But Icelanders truly believe a stout effort will bring
them all the way to Brazil, host of the 2014 tournament.
"It's a big deal for any country to make it," said Bjorn Ludviksson,
who works at an aluminum factory in west Iceland. "But, this would
be the first time for Iceland, and the first time for such a small
country."
Win or lose, many Icelanders are thrilled to have made it so far.
"If they play their best in Croatia, we will be very proud," said
Ludviksson.
There's a message here: Never count Iceland out.
Just five years ago, Iceland was on the brink of bankruptcy after
suffering the largest economic collapse in modern European history.
Debts soared, businesses shuttered, unemployment skyrocketed and the
Icelandic stock exchange fell by more than 90 percent.
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Once hailed as Europe's banking darlings, Icelanders were faced
with financial devastation. Shamed and angry, they took to the
streets pounding pots and pans outside parliament, demanding
accountability for the country's failed economy.
On Friday, they took to the streets for a very different reason
after their team played a 0-0 draw against Croatia in the first of
their two matches in the World Cup playoffs. The mood was electric —
smiling revelers coated in flag face paint, beers in hand, with
unbridled enthusiasm for the next game.
If Iceland qualifies for the World Cup, it would help the island
nation shake the stigma of financial ruin and disruptive volcanoes.
"Qualifying would make them feel part of the world and have another
story to tell foreigners," said Garry Taylor, an Englishman who has
lived in Reykjavik for four years. "You would hear it for the next
20 years."
The players are savoring the moment. Iceland's soccer players are
national icons but because of the country's small size they're very
accessible. In the offseason, it's common to see star players in
coffeehouses or at concerts, out with their families or standing in
line at a store.
"It's not often that Iceland has had the opportunity to get to the
World Cup," midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson told the Icelandic news
website Visir.is. "Now we are just 90 minutes from it!" [Associated
Press; JENNA GOTTLIEB]
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