World Soccer

Faroe Islands

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Torshavn-based HB strolled to their first national crown in five years, winning 24 of their 27 league fixtures and losing only twice. The title was wrapped up a month before the end of the season with a 2-1 win away at KI, who finished fourth, behind runners-up NSI Runavik and B36. In a bad-tempered local derby, B36 defied the odds to beat HB on penalties in the Final. Twice behind in normal time, B36 were reduced to nine men following two late red cards before coming up with a 95th-minute equaliser to make the score 2-2 and eventually go to spot-kicks. Champions HB will take part in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. NSI Runavik, B36 and KI all have a Europa League preliminar­y round appointmen­t.

As many predicted, the defensivel­y-challenged 07 Vestur were bottom, but they only finished a point adrift of Argja Boltfelag. They will be replaced by second division top dogs IF, who successful­ly regrouped after demotion from the elite in 2017. The leading marksman in the championsh­ip with 20 goals, HB winger Adrian Justinusse­n was in outstandin­g form and was especially dangerous when letting fly from long range. In his first season in charge of HB, Heimir Gudjonsson, gave a masterclas­s in team-building, tactical appreciati­on and feet-onthe-ground attitude. He was five times an Icelandic champion in his homeland as coach of FH. Aged 16 years and nine months when making his first-team debut for KI in March, central midfielder Oli Poulsen seemed to grow in stature and effectiven­ess with every game for the Klaksvik club.

 ??  ?? Materclass ...Heimar Gudjonsson
Materclass ...Heimar Gudjonsson

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