On Sunday, November 16, in the final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Ukrainian team defeated the Icelandic team 2:0, securing second place in Group «D» and earning a spot in the playoffs for the right to participate in the World Cup finals. Here is the post-match press conference of the head coach of the Icelandic national team, Arnar Gunnlaugsson.
Arnar Gunnlaugsson. Photo — A. Popov— You mentioned that in the first match against Ukraine, you conceded goals that happen once in a million years. How would you describe today’s goals? And what didn’t work out for your team today?
— These are splendid goals from Ukraine’s perspective and terrible from Iceland’s perspective.
There is a problem in Icelandic football with losing concentration in the final minutes. That’s what happened today. It’s not just about the final minutes of the match, but also the end of the first half.
But this is the game, football — today we conceded two goals and didn’t score any. Congratulations to the Ukrainian team on their victory and for advancing to the playoffs. We must accept this result. Of course, it’s painful to lose, but this is sport, football: tomorrow we will wake up stronger, draw conclusions, and move forward.
There were no more questions for the Icelandic coach from Ukrainian media representatives: otherwise, he communicated with Icelandic media without translation.
Alexander POPOV from Warsaw
