Iceland reaches World Cup
The Icelandic thunderclap is making its way to Russia.
Iceland added to its remarkable 2016 European Championship campaign Monday by becoming the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup.
Iceland secured an automatic berth by defeating Kosovo 2-0 in Reykjavik to win Europe’s Group I and kickstart celebrations in the island nation of about 330,000 people.
Fireworks were set off after the match at a packed Laugardalsvollur Stadium, and captain Aron Gunnarsson immediately led the crowd in the traditional chant in which players and fans yell and clap their hands at a rhythmic crescendo that is likened to a Viking war chant.
Serbia also qualified for the World Cup for the second time since becoming an independent nation in 2006 by beating Georgia 1-0.
Ireland secured a playoff spot from Group D, and Wales was eliminated only 15 months after reaching the semifinals at Euro 2016. Spain and Italy won their last qualifying games in Group G, which already had been won by the Spaniards. Italy already was assured of a playoff spot.
South America: South America wraps up regional qualifying Tuesday, and only Brazil is in. Three other teams will gain automatic berths, and one more qualifies for a playoff next month against New Zealand.
Most eyes are on Argentina, which plays at Ecuador. Argentina, with Lionel Messi, needs a victory to get at least a playoff spot. Any other result puts it in jeopardy of missing the World Cup for the first time since 1970.
Europe: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to Portugal’s lineup for a decisive World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday.
Portugal is three points behind Switzerland in Europe Group B and needs a victory to secure first place and the automatic spot for next year’s World Cup.