Gylfi Sigurdsson pays the penalty with a 6 as Iceland's vikings are vanquished in Volgograd

Matt Jones - Editor 21:45 22/06/2018
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  • The vikings of Iceland felt the hammer come down on them in Volgograd as the euphoria of their opening 1-1 World Cup draw with Argentina was replaced by negativity following a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria.

    Nigeria were second best in a first half dominated by the tiny European nation, but they were revitalised after the break and broke the deadlock when Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa thundered a ferocious effort into the roof of the net after Victor Moses had supplied a fine cross following a flowing counter-attack.

    Musa later hit the bar before netting his second goal moments later after latching onto a long ball and utilising his pace, rounding goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson before stylishly sidefooting home.

    Iceland’s talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson had the chance to get his side back into it but surprisingly skied his spot kick and that was that.

    Here we rate the Iceland players.

    ICELAND (4-4-2)

    Hannes Halldorsson – 7:

    After heroics in the opener against Argentina, would have been content with a quieter day. But still had to be bright to keep out Ndidi’s effort.

    Birkir Saevarsson – 7:

    A threat in attack, his crossing caused havoc in the Nigeria box as he looked to support at every opportunity. Musa caused havoc for him in defence though.

    Kari Arnason – 5:

    Won four aerial duels but had a tough time tracking Musa in the second period. Lack of pace exposed horribly by the quicksilver forward for his second.

    Ragnar Sigurdsson – 6:

    Injured after half-time but of course tried to carry on, eventually replaced though. How Iceland missed his leadership as Nigeria swarmed.

    Hordur Magnusson – 7:

    Carried on from where he left off excellently against Argentina. Had more freedom to roam forward here and gave Moses a testing afternoon.

    Rurik Gislason – 6:

    High with his shot after a fine run through Nigeria’s midfield as Iceland fought back. Not surprising perhaps that he doesn’t have an international goal in three years.

    Aron Gunnarsson – 6:

    Anchored midfield brilliantly and showed off a delectable array of passing, nice to see that he can play a bit of football as well as take throw-ins.

    Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6:

    Sublime delivery as always, teammates should have taken advantage in the first half. You would have had him taking a penalty if your life was on the line, but miss means Iceland’s knockout chances are now on life support.

    Birkir Bjarnason – 7:

    A constant attacking outlet down the left for his side, full of industry and ingenuity. His 90 per cent pass success led Iceland’s starters.

    Jon Bodvarsson – 6:

    Brought in as an extra attacker alongside Finnbogason and worked tirelessly to pull the Nigeria defence out of position. Won four aerial battles.

    Alfred Finnbogason – 5:

    Lively and in the thick of the action as Iceland dominated the opening 45 minutes, but looked isolated and faded badly in the second half.

    SUBS:

    Sverrir Ingason – 6:

    Eventually replaced the banged up Ragnar Sigurdsson but could do little to prevent his side falling 2-0 behind.

    Bjorn Sigurdarson – 6:

    Replaced the hard-working Bodvarsson as Iceland desperately looked for a way back in.

    Ari Skulason N/A

    Thrown on with minutes to go, with the game already lost.

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