Follow @SBTSportBetting [Get Exclusive Tips on our Patreon, Ad-Free]
Iceland face Austria on June 22 in the final round of matches in Group F. The match takes place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis and the referee will be Poland’s Szymon Marciniak. Both teams come into this knowing they need a win to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout stage of Euro 2016.
Iceland have been the heart-warming story of the competition, and their fans have yet to taste defeat at the European Championships, after they drew their opening game against Portugal 1-1, and then came away with the same scoreline against Hungary, after scoring a late own goal. The key to Iceland’s performance, as expected, is their well-organised defence, and the rigid structure they play. Depending on other results, a win over Austria could put Iceland on top of Group F, while a draw might not get them into the knockout round.
Austria, unlike Iceland, have been a real disappointment so far. After a promising opening 20 minutes against Hungary, Austria then struggled to get into the game, and Hungary ran out 2-0 winners, with Austria being reduced to 10 men, too. Against Portugal, Austria showed a bit more, but were still under pressure for most of the game, as Portugal dominated possession, and missed a penalty in their 0-0 draw. Nothing but a win will be good enough for Austria here, so they know they have to go all out and get the job done, and depending on how other results go, the best Austria can hope for is second place in Group F.
Iceland have faced Austria twice, with Austria winning 2 games, with 2 draws. Iceland have never beaten Austria, and their last match was a 1-1 in a friendly in 2014. Before they, they met twice in 1989 during qualifying for Italia ’90, with Austria winning at home, with the other game ending in a draw.
Iceland vs Austria Match Betting Odds:
Iceland: 3.75, 11/4, +275
Austria: 2.1, 11/10, +110
Draw: 3.5, 5/2, +250
Iceland vs Austria Match Betting Tips:
This is a tough one to call. For the opening 20 minutes of Austria’s game against Hungary, I was impressed, and was convinced they would go well. But the wheels came off, and then the sending off didn’t help. They then showed some flair against Portugal and had a couple of chances, but with Portugal’s possession, it was always going to be tough. As for Iceland, they’re just a solid unit, with no real flair. When they take to the pitch, it’s a team performance, and they grind it out.
I just think that with Austria knowing they need to win, it might be enough to get them over the line. Iceland’s defence is tough, but Austria are going to get a lot of the ball, as they did in that opening spell against Hungary, and they should put it to get use and get the win. Austria to win is our selection here, as they’re now looking like good value after their poor start.
Iceland vs Austria Prop Bets:
Iceland have scored 2 goals in 2 games, Austria have yet to score, so this is going to be a tight one. Under 2.5 goals for us here, as Iceland are going to shut up shop and try and catch Austria on the break, even though they’re not the speediest side in the competition.
