Euro 2016 preview and odds: Iceland vs Austria

Published on: 22/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Iceland vs Austria

Stade de France, Saint-Denis - 18:00pm 22 June 2016

Group stage - Group F

A win would put tournament debutants Iceland in the last 16, while opponents Austria need a win just to stand any chance of progressing.

Both teams still with plenty to play for

Iceland can make history on Wednesday evening by securing their first ever win against Austria - a result that would guarantee their progression to the last 16 of a European Championship finals at the first attempt.

While victory would guarantee progression for Iceland, Austria will need to win and hope that other results go their way if they are to reach the knockout phase of the competition for the very first time. In their last meeting back in 2014, the teams played out a 1-1 friendly draw in Innsbruck.

Iceland have already made their mark on the European Championships but will now be looking to go one better and join Europe`s elite 16 in the knockout stage. Confidence in the group is high and both coaches have expressed their strong belief that they will get the job done on Wednesday.

There is room for improvement in the Icelandic attack and that is the one area that could let them down. However, Austria have striking issues of their own having failed to score a single goal at the tournament so far.

With both teams needing a win, it could be a cagey game - a factor that could suit the more compact approach preferred by Iceland. Austria prefer a more fluid style but have yet to reach their best level at these finals.

Form (all competitions):

Iceland: DDWLWLLLWL

Austria: DLLWLWLWWW

Betting predictions

Iceland can not only make history by qualifying but they could also finish as group winners. Even if they draw, they could still progress, so there is a case to be made for taking the game to Austria.

The confidence in the Iceland camp is infectious and you can`t help but fancy them to get the job done.

You can back Iceland to win at 29/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 22/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (22/06/2016 14:09:57) but are subject to change.