Icelanders prey on Eagles
Aron says win over Argentina is history
Gelendzhik, Russia – Iceland’s dream World Cup debut may have gotten them a point against two-time champions Argentina, but Aron Gunnarsson and his teammates are already putting that result behind them as they move on to the challenge of Nigeria.
The resilient islanders showed their iron will once again, coming back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with an Argentina side led by Lionel Messi and teeming with household names.
“Now we need to focus on Nigeria. We can’t dwell on that game now; if we don’t focus on Nigeria and don’t get a result there, then that point is no use for anyone,” the combative midfielder said yesterday.
Wearing a bracelet on his right wrist with the words “Life Is Now” spelled out in beads in Icelandic, Gunnarsson said he didn’t get to sleep until about 4am after his country’s superb World Cup debut.
The 29-year-old said Iceland respected their more illustrious opponents but weren’t in awe of the likes of Messi.
“If you stand by and idolise him, he’s going to go past you and he’s going to score, he’s going to take advantage of that.
“It’s just important to respect the guy and play your normal football,” he said.
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson echoed Gunnarsson’s desire to move on from their brilliant World Cup debut as quickly as possible.
“Our plan is to finish the Argentina game today with a meeting and then don’t look back, start to focus on Nigeria,” he said.
Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0 in Saturday’s other Group D game and they top the group on three points with Argentina and Iceland on a point apiece.
“This is a must-win game for Nigeria, and that makes it a little bit psychologically different, they have to win,” Hallgrimsson said of Friday’s match against the Africans, adding that he expects the group to be tense.