Heimir Hallgrimson took over the team that was the biggest surprise of EURO 2016, and now they qualified for the World Cup, which is almost equal success considering how small the nation is. Interesting thing is that they were placed above Croatia, the team they’ll face again in Group D.

TThroughout qualifications they were a really tough team to beat, but in the last 4 matches they conceded 10 goals. Lack of pace is evident in the squad, and they struggle to cope with the teams who impose high tempo throughout the match. Even though the coach has changed, some things remain the same as the team relies on defensive solidity and direct style of play in attack.

1. Sigurdsson is crucial player in organization, and with the new coach he acts in central midfield, pushing forward into final third to provide support for the front two.One of big strengths of the team is their ability to hurt opponents from set-piece situations. Sigurdsson is set-piece specialist, with lots of players being a threat in the air. Throw-ins are one more aspect of their play that can be used against opponents, especially if Gunnarsson is in the team.
2. They struggle to retain horizontal compactness after sides are switched with long diagonal balls, which was most evident in matches against Mexico and Peru - latteral movement of midfield line is slow and disorganized due to lack of pace.