Iceland follows the footsteps of Greece

Iceland has shocked the world by beating England, the home of football, in the Euro 2016’s Round of 16. All eyes are on whether Iceland will reproduce Greece’s "underdog triumph" at Euro 2004. Iceland and Greece, the winner of Euro 2004, have many things in common.

Iceland, ranked 34th by FIFA, was considered weak among 24 teams and was given the fourth seed in the group draw. Greece, ranked 35th at that time, also received the fourth seed at Euro 2004. However, both teams finished second in the group and moved on to the next round. They also had the same number of wins in the qualifying round. Greece recorded six wins and two defeats, while Iceland recorded six wins, two draws and two defeats.

Iceland and Greece both played against Portugal in the opening group match. The two national teams also made four goals each in the three group matches. No player in their teams made two or more goals. Four players made one goal each. It is also the same that both teams were put against France in the quarterfinals.

At Euro 2004 joined by 16 teams, Greece defeated defending champion France and stunned the world to win the championship. At that time, Greece defeated Portugal in the final. If Iceland beats France on July 4, and moves onto the semifinal, it might face Portugal in the final as Greece did in 2004.