Hallgrimsson shuns world attention as Nordic side aim for another shock

Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is not dwelling on worldwide media attention, potential offers from big clubs, or even the prospect of having a hand in eliminating Lionel Messi and Argentina from the World Cup.

He even switched off his mobile phone on the eve of his must-win match against Croatia. The 51-year-old coach, pictured, said, as pressure mounts in Russia, he has also made sure players take regular breaks and have some fun, and stick to a routine that was drilled into him as a youth coach that includes placing training cones on the pitch during practice.

“As everyone knows I’ve been training with kids and amateur teams,” said Hallgrimsson. “You have to do it all yourself. I know not many trainers put things up on the pitch, but this is something I want to do.”

Iceland held Argentina 1-1 in their opening match but need to win their last Group D game after losing to Nigeria 2-0. With only one point each, Iceland and Argentina would both have to win to qualify, but the Nordic team have a slight edge in goal difference. Argentina face Nigeria in a simultaneous survival match in St Petersburg tonight. Nigeria, on three points, only need a draw.

With his team already qualified, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is likely to rest several key players to avoid suspensions and fatigue. Six Croatia players were shown yellow cards in their first two matches, including Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.

Hallgrimsson, a practising dentist and long-time trainer of boys’ and girls’ teams at community sports clubs in Iceland, said morale in the team remains high since the Icelanders have already made history. As underdogs, Iceland – along with fans and their emblematic“thunderclap” celebration–drew international admiration on their thrilling run to the quarter-finals at the European championships two years ago, holding winners Portugal in the group phase and knocking England out at the last-16 stage.

Hallgrimsson was the head coach’s assistant at the Euros, but took the helm to lead the tiny island nation to their first World Cup after 14 failed attempts.

“For some other teams it wouldn’t be a disgrace but it would at least be a shock if they didn’t qualify for the final 16,” he added. “(But) if we manage to qualify it would probably be the biggest success in our short Icelandic football history.”