PHOTOS: Iceland’s big night in images

Fans in central Reykjavik.

Fans in central Reykjavik. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Ófeig­ur Lýðsson

Whatever the result to come, last night was always going to be a big night for Iceland – as the men’s team played their first ever match in the finals of a major international tournament.

Neither the team nor the fans disappointed on this most exciting of occasions.

MORE: Positive start to Iceland’s Euro 2016 campaign

Nothing can stop Iceland's Jón Daði Böðvars­son!

Nothing can stop Iceland's Jón Daði Böðvars­son! Photo: AFP

Iceland’s men, clad in their white away colours, repelled a strong onslaught of Portuguese attempts at goal with tenacious and disciplined defending. The Icelandic goalkeeper Hannes Þór Halldórsson played a blinder of a game, denying the Portuguese several chances at goal.

MORE: Ronaldo slams “small mentality” Iceland

Iceland fans in good cheer.

Iceland fans in good cheer. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Skapti Hall­gríms­son

Birkir Bjarnason’s 50 th -minute equaliser sent Iceland and its friends around the world into rapturous celebration, and a whole country was on the edge of their seats as Iceland battled on to hold giants Portugal to a very respectable 1-1 draw.

Iceland's goalie receiving well-deserved thanks.

Iceland's goalie receiving well-deserved thanks. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Skapti Hallgrímsson

As fans return to work today – perhaps slightly hung-over – the attention of the Icelandic delegation in France will be turning towards the next challenge: Hungary on Saturday.

In the meantime, enjoy some reminders of last night’s joyous experience!

We could hear them here in Iceland all the way …

We could hear them here in Iceland all the way from France! Photo: Iceland Monitor/AFP

Here are fans singing the Icelandic national anthem in central Reykjavik yesterday:

And fans in the stadium singing Iceland’s unofficial campaign anthem ‘Ég er kominn heim’ :

More images

The boys basking in the glory of their achievement...

The boys basking in the glory of their achievement... Photo: AFP

...and thanking their enthusiastic fans.

...and thanking their enthusiastic fans. Photo: AFP

Portugal's Ronaldo turned out not to be quite the danger …

Portugal's Ronaldo turned out not to be quite the danger everybody was expecting. Photo: AFP

The match was well-fought with both teams defending well.

The match was well-fought with both teams defending well. Photo: AFP

Iceland's coach Lars Lagerbäck happy with the result.

Iceland's coach Lars Lagerbäck happy with the result. Photo: AFP

Even Iceland's President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson was there to see …

Even Iceland's President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson was there to see the match live. Photo: AFP

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