The Ukrainian national team defeated Iceland 2—0 and finished second in the group. This means that Serhiy Rebrov’s team will play in the playoffs of the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup. Icelandic fans are disappointed with the result, as a draw would have been enough for them today. Moreover, their team created several great opportunities, and Ukraine’s second goal was scored through a deflection and could more accurately be called an own goal.
Icelanders note that their team was plagued with bad luck in both matches against Ukraine, but they also acknowledge that Serhiy Rebrov’s team’s victory was well-deserved. The Ukrainian national team also deservedly takes second place. Icelanders wished Ukraine success in the playoff matches and praised the effective work of Serhiy Rebrov’s coaching staff, who bet everything on the game against Iceland and fielded a second squad in the match against France. The coach of the Ukrainian national team risked his reputation, and his plan worked. Iceland lacked freshness in the second half of the match, which helped Ukraine secure the victory.
Olof: If the ball in matches against Ukraine flies past the goal, it nevertheless thinks: «Oh well, it’s the Ukrainians, it needs to hit someone and get into the goal.» Just a joke, of course. But the luck of the Ukrainian team is at an incredible level.
Kristjan: We are proud of our guys—they fought till the end, but Ukraine’s plan was better. I’m not talking about today’s match, but the fact that the Ukrainian coach took a risk in the match against France, faced a storm of criticism, but his plan worked. We lacked freshness at the end of the game.
Helgihor: Rebrov played smart, and it’s evident. But Iceland fought like Vikings. Yes, it hurts to lose in a decisive match, but we leave with our heads held high. There was no shame in the team’s game today.
Bjorn: Yes, Rebrov outsmarted everyone. He risked his reputation in the match against France. If his plan hadn’t worked today, I’m sure he wouldn’t have been forgiven in his own country. He took responsibility and won. This is worthy of respect. This is manly.
MattiGud: The Ukrainians did everything right. We did too, just today luck was on their side. As in the first match. But after two defeats from Ukraine, there is no point in saying they didn’t deserve it. May they have luck in the future too.
Sigrid: We move on, like travelers over lava fields—slowly, but proudly. Icelanders have always stood like stones by the ocean, regardless of all difficulties and problems—we are unbreakable.
Baldur: The freshness was lacking, but there is no point in criticizing the team. The opportunities were there, just unlucky. Both teams played with dignity, just today the Ukrainians had a bit more luck.
IceWarrior: There is nothing to be ashamed of—we fought till the last minute. Ukraine was smarter. We were braver and didn’t just stand the entire team in defense. Thanks to the guys, they did all they could.
Jonsson: Great match! Let the Ukrainians progress further. I think such a team deserves to play at the World Cup. In some ways, they remind me of the Icelanders. Despite all problems, they keep fighting. This character deserves respect.
Arni: My father always told me a good saying: «Even the icy wind won’t extinguish our fire.» And I want to say that even a defeat won’t make me stop believing in Iceland.
Runar: The second goal was so random that it’s even hard to believe it happened to us again. The Ukrainians score strange goals in matches with us. Probably it’s some wicked fate.
Freyr: It’s painful to tears. We were so close to the playoffs, but we once again lacked a bit of luck. Ukraine was better, Ukraine was stronger. They deserved to go further, like France. But deep down, I believe Iceland could have also performed well at the World Cup.
Kolgrim: Ukraine’s luck works better than any forward. A random deflection is the best assistant for their national team. Of course, Ukraine had other moments in this match, it’s just frustrating to concede such goals.
Berg: Even the weather forecast in Iceland is easier to predict than the trajectory of the ball after the Ukrainians' strikes. But even such fortune needs to be earned. Those who don’t shoot don’t score.
Eriksson: The ball was flying past the goal, but decided: «Well, for Rebrov, I can go in.» We also created great moments, but the ball just didn’t want to go into the goal. It feels like luck chose the Ukrainians today.
Svein: It hurts a lot to lose when a draw would have been sufficient. But Ukraine played smarter, especially in the second half. The second goal—well, it’s just some evil deflection. But once it went in, it was their day.
Hakon: Disappointed, yes. But you can’t say that Ukraine’s victory was undeserved. Rebrov calculated everything: a second squad against France, all the best players came fresh into one game with us—and it worked.
Lyng: It’s painful for the players—you can see they gave their all, but success turned away. Rebrov took a risk, but he guessed right. This deserves respect. Our team today lacked freshness. It was visible that the legs weren’t running.
Thorunn: But the moments were there! And good ones. But you don’t win without goals. The Ukrainians searched for their chance for a long time—and found it. We missed our moments. The second goal is pure chance, but it doesn’t negate their advantage in the second half.
Bergur: The Ukrainians played wisely, waited and did their thing. In both matches with Ukraine, we were followed by some cursed bad luck. But honestly—the Ukrainians looked better in both games.
Gudmundsson: Ukraine has a smart staff. It’s evident from the strategic decisions. Nothing terrible happened, we lost today to a worthy opponent. Football success loves the brave, and Ukraine was braver today.
Vald: Ukraine won fairly, even with an element of luck. Two games, and both times we were catastrophically unlucky. But there is nothing to reproach the team for, as they left all their strength on the field.