Portugal 1, Iceland 1: Minnows stifle Cristiano Ronaldo as their European Championship debut ends in draw
Iceland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson had qualification to the knockout phase at the forefront of his mind after his side battled back to earn a point against Portugal on their European Championship debut in Saint-Etienne.
Former Manchester United winger Nani fired Portugal into a first-half lead, only for midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, who plays for Swiss champions FC Basel, to level for Iceland – the smallest nation to ever reach the championship finals.
A share of the spoils left both sides trailing in the wake of Group F leaders Hungary, who earlier defeated Austria, standings which could yet have repercussions for England as the runners-up in their pool and this will meet at the last-16 stage.
“It’s really good to have a point,” said Hallgrimsson. “We can go a little bit more relaxed into the next game [on Saturday]. With a win against Hungary we are probably nearly there.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos, meanwhile, refused to be downcast after his side were pegged back. He said: “There’s no use crying over spilled milk. We’ll bounce back to play two great matches.”
Nani had already seen a header repelled by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson by the time a sumptuous Portugal move ended with the Fenerbahce forward converting a low Andre Gomes cross at the near post on 30 minutes.
Iceland made history shortly after the restart by scoring their maiden goal at a major tournament as an unchallenged Bjarnason, taking advantage of dozy Portuguese defending, volleyed home a centre from Charlton’s Johann Gudmundsson.
Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who equalled Luis Figo’s 127-cap record for Portugal, cut a disconsolate figure at times and fluffed his lines with five minutes remaining as he planted a free header straight at Halldorsson.