Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Guest(s)
Release Date
6 April 2023
Duration
65 min
In this triple-header episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney explore three extraordinary stories of football greatness — Queen’s Park 1883–85, Nottingham Forest 1977–80, and Iceland 2016.
Iceland’s journey to the UEFA EURO 2016 finals is one of modern football’s most uplifting fairy tales. A country with no professional league, no indoor grass pitches until the 2000s, and a population smaller than many European cities somehow reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s biggest tournament.
Co-managed by Lars Lagerbäck and Heimir Hallgrímsson, Iceland built their rise on structure, belief, and community. Every player knew their role, every fan felt part of the mission. Their qualification campaign was remarkable — finishing above the Netherlands and Turkey — but it was in France that their legend was forged.
After gritty group-stage performances, Iceland shocked the world by beating England 2–1 in Nice, overturning an early Wayne Rooney penalty with goals from Ragnar Sigurðsson and Kolbeinn Sigþórsson. Their compact defending, tireless pressing, and clinical finishing left England shell-shocked and Iceland celebrated as national heroes.
The Viking Thunderclap — the hypnotic, slow-hand clap echoed by thousands of fans — became the sound of unity and defiance. Though their dream ended in the quarter-finals against hosts France, Iceland’s story transcended the tournament. They proved that intelligence, organisation, and togetherness could triumph over resources and reputation.
This episode celebrates the blueprint of belief that Iceland 2016 left behind — a reminder that football’s greatest victories aren’t measured in silverware but in spirit.
Takeaways
Iceland’s unity and tactical structure redefined modern underdog success.
The team’s 2–1 win over England remains one of Euro history’s biggest shocks.
The Thunderclap became a cultural and sporting phenomenon.
Intelligent preparation and infrastructure investment built long-term success.
Iceland 2016 proved belief and organisation can outshine money and scale.
Iceland 2016: When Belief Shook the World
Few stories in modern football capture the imagination like Iceland at Euro 2016 — a team from a nation of just 330,000 people who defied logic, humbled giants, and united the world with the sound of the Viking Thunderclap.
Having never qualified for a major tournament before, Iceland entered Euro 2016 as rank outsiders. But under the joint leadership of Lars Lagerbäck and Heimir Hallgrímsson, they played with discipline, heart, and tactical intelligence. Their approach was simple but devastatingly effective: two organised banks of four, rapid transitions, and an unbreakable belief in teamwork.
After holding Portugal to a 1–1 draw and finishing second in their group, Iceland met England in the Round of 16 — a game that would define the tournament. Despite conceding early to a Rooney penalty, Iceland responded instantly through Ragnar Sigurðsson and Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, turning the match on its head. For the next hour, they out-fought and out-thought England, holding firm for a historic 2–1 victory that sent shockwaves across the football world.
The images that followed — the players standing arm-in-arm with their fans, clapping in perfect rhythm — became iconic. The Thunderclap was more than a celebration; it was a national heartbeat reverberating across Europe.
Though their dream ended in the quarter-finals against France, Iceland 2016 changed how small nations were perceived in world football. Their model — investment in coaching, collective identity, and psychological unity — inspired countless federations to believe anything was possible.
Iceland’s miracle wasn’t just about results. It was a story of community, resilience, and the triumph of belief. They may not have lifted the trophy, but they lifted spirits around the world — proving that greatness has no population limit.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Iceland’s rise from minnows to major tournament contenders
The joint management of Lagerbäck and Hallgrímsson
The tactical discipline and psychological unity of the squad
The 2–1 win over England and global reaction
The impact of Iceland’s fan culture and the Thunderclap
Qualification ahead of the Netherlands and Turkey
The 1–1 draw vs Portugal in the group stage
The 2–1 victory over England in the Round of 16
The Viking Thunderclap echoing around Nice
Quarter-final exit to France amid global admiration
The homecoming celebrations in Reykjavík
Notable Manager
Notable Players
Gylfi Sigurðsson, Aron Gunnarsson, Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, Hannes Þór Halldórsson, Ragnar Sigurðsson, Birkir Bjarnason, Kári Árnason, Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson, Alfreð Finnbogason, Ari Freyr Skúlason
Style of Play
4-4-2 Formation, Compact Defence, Counter-Attacking, Set-Piece Threat, Tactical Discipline, Team Cohesion
Iceland 2016’s tactical success was rooted in simplicity, discipline, and identity. Co-managers Lagerbäck and Hallgrímsson implemented a compact 4-4-2 formation, designed for defensive solidity and devastating counter-attacks.
Their shape was narrow and synchronised — two banks of four working as a single unit, maintaining spacing and pressing triggers. Captain Aron Gunnarsson anchored midfield with tireless energy and leadership, while Gylfi Sigurðsson provided the creative spark, linking midfield to attack with precision and vision.
Defensively, Iceland prioritised zonal compactness over pressing high. Their strength lay in anticipation and shape discipline: full-backs stayed tucked in, centre-backs communicated constantly, and wide players tracked back relentlessly. On the break, they were lethal. With Sigurðsson’s set-piece delivery, long throws from Gunnarsson, and the aerial presence of Sigþórsson and Bjarnason, Iceland maximised every opportunity.
Off the pitch, the coaching staff’s holistic approach — blending psychology, community involvement, and analytics — became a model for smaller nations. Each player’s role was meticulously drilled, and belief was reinforced daily through collective accountability.
While their football was pragmatic, it was also emotionally charged. Iceland played with heart, structure, and intelligence — a national identity translated into tactical form.
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