Lifestyle

Here's Why It's So Insane Iceland Just Beat England In Soccer

by John Haltiwanger
REUTERS

If you're a fan of underdogs, then you're going to love the fact Iceland just defeated England 2-1 in the Euro 2016 round of 16.

HE'S BACK: Icelandic commentator after Iceland scored their 2nd goal tonight...pic.twitter.com/A9obU3LXdg — BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) June 27, 2016

This is a historic upset that led to the immediate resignation of England's manager, Roy Hodgson.

Iceland's path to this point has been nothing short of incredible. Four years ago, Iceland was ranked number 131 in world soccer by FIFA. It wasn't even supposed to make it to this point whatsoever.

With a population of roughly 329,000, it's the smallest nation to ever qualify for the European Championship, and it's continuously defied the odds.

During qualifiers, it defeated the Netherlands, a powerhouse in international soccer.

In the group stages, Iceland once again shocked the world by tying Portugal (to Cristiano Ronaldo's great dismay).

Iceland then defeated Austria 2-1 and secured a spot in the knockout stage.

Iceland had already achieved a great deal, but its victory over England at this point in the tournament is monumental.

To put this all into perspective, the co-manager of the tiny but fierce nation is a dentist, while the now resigned Hodgson earned a salary of £3.5 million per year.

Iceland is a nation where the geography and weather make it difficult to even train or play soccer (Arctic winds, snow and lack of sunlight), and most of the players have day jobs. But, in spite of all this, it just defeated a team from a nation where soccer is religion and where players like Wayne Rooney reportedly earn roughly £13.5 million per year.

Iceland might be a small nation, but it obviously has a lot of heart. This is exhibited in everything from its willingness to help refugees, to its demand for justice in its political system to its incredible efforts on the soccer pitch.

What Iceland has accomplished in this tournament is a testament to the power of teamwork.