Iceland VS Austria Match Prediction

There have only ever been two other competitive games between these two sides and they were both in the qualifying campaign for the 1990 World Cup, with Austria just about coming out on top in that pair of matches. 

The sides played out a 0-0 draw in Reykjavik but Austria were 2-1 winners in the return leg in Salzburg to ensure they took four points from the two group games.

Iceland v Austria: Prediction

Both of Iceland's matches at the finals so far have finished 1-1 and it is tempting to go for the same score here, but Austria have been very disappointing and Lagerback's men will be confident of winning the match and confirming a place in the next round as a result. 

Austria have not scored at Euro 2016 yet and if Janko does not make it due to the knock he suffered against Portugal it is easy to see Iceland keeping their first clean sheet in this game.

Iceland v Austria: Betting Tips

With so much at stake this is likely to be a tight game, with Lagerback priding himself on how organised he has been able to make Iceland during his time in charge of the team. A price of 1/2 is low but still looks worthwhile on under 2.5 goals in the match, while Iceland's odds to win of 14/5 look very tempting as well. Austria can be backed at 7/6 but there is little value there considering they have not even scored in the finals yet, while the draw is being offered at 12/5.

Iceland must win to book a place in the next round after they were cruelly denied victory against Hungary by a Birkir Saevarsson own goal late on last time out. Their story is already a fantastic one but it would be even better if they could make it into the next round.

Lars Lagerback - who steps down as the national team coach after Euro 2016 - is not likely to make many changes to a team that has performed very well at the finals so far. However, Alfred Finnbogason is not available as he is suspended following being booked in both group games.

Iceland likely XI: 

Halldorsson, Skulason, R Sigurdsson, Arnason, Saevarsson, Gudmundsson, G Sigurdsson, Gunnarsson, Bjarnason, Sigthorsson, Bodvarsson.

Something has to change for Austria after they took just a single point from their first two games, with the team fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw against Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty. David Alaba, the star man for Austria, was substituted in that match and he could well be dropped to the bench, while striker Marc Janko is also vulnerable to being left out after an ineffective start to the tournament. Alaba and Janko are also carrying injuries.

Alexander Dragovic is back after serving a suspension in the last game, while Robert Almer, the star against Portugal, will continue to feature in the Austria goal.

Austria likely XI: 

Almer, Klein, Dragovic, Hinteregger, Fuchs, Baumgartinger, Ilsanker, Sabitzer, Schopf, Arnautovic, Harnik.

On paper the Austria squad is stronger than Iceland\'s, but they have not shown anything yet to suggest they can go through to the next round. Iceland really deserved more than a 1-1 draw against Hungary and they have the team spirit, determination and desire to get the win they need in this match, although it might have to be just by a single goal.

This is Iceland\'s first ever trip to a major international tournament and they have not been beaten yet.