It seems that Iceland have now got back on track in the international game after a difficult run following two consecutive qualifications for big tournaments. The Nordic nation has won four of their five Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Their performances in the group have been enough to earn Erik Hamren’s side joint-top spot in Group H of qualifying. The latest hurdle in Iceland’s attempts at reaching a third straight international competition is a trip to Albania on Tuesday night.
The home side has endured a mixed campaign so far in the group. So much so that if they beat Iceland, then they would still have an outside chance of qualifying. In fact, a win would put Albania just three points behind Iceland.
The problem the home side have had is that they have only beaten minnows Andorra and Moldova in qualifying so far. The rest of their group games have ended in defeat against the three top sides France, Turkey and of course Tuesday’s opponents Iceland.
Another concern for the Albanians is their home record in qualifying, as they have lost three of their last four qualifiers on home soil. They have also scored in just one of their last four qualifiers.
🎁 Happy big 3️⃣-0️⃣ to Gylfi Sigurdsson!🇮🇸 The midfielder helped @footballiceland qualify for the #WorldCup for the very first time 💪 pic.twitter.com/SAQtSvgc4z— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 8, 2019
🎁 Happy big 3️⃣-0️⃣ to Gylfi Sigurdsson!🇮🇸 The midfielder helped @footballiceland qualify for the #WorldCup for the very first time 💪 pic.twitter.com/SAQtSvgc4z
Iceland are in a strong position to qualify for next years European Championships. However, they are currently level on points with France and Turkey. A win in Elbasan would keep their challenge for qualification on track.
One negative for the visitors heading into this potentially tricky clash is their away record in qualifying. The Nordic nation has won just four of their last 16 matches away from home in European Championship qualifiers.
However, Iceland have history on their side when it comes to recent games against the home side, as they have won the last three meetings between the two teams.
Forebet predicts that Iceland will make it four straight wins against Albania by recording a victory in a high-scoring clash.