Here’s why Iceland MUST support Portugal next week

If Iceland win their last Euro 2016 group game, and Hungary fail to beat Portugal, then there is still a chance that Iceland could qualify top of Group F.

Iceland has secured two solid draws so far in their Euro 2016 campaign – but qualification is far from certain.

The top two teams in each group after three matches, together with the best four third-placed teams across the seven groups, qualify to the knockout stages (last 16).

If Iceland beat Austria on Wednesday, then they are guaranteed either first or second place in the group – and qualification. Indeed, if Portugal beat or draw against Hungary, Iceland will share top position (on points) with one or other of them. Goal difference will decide who takes the top spot.

For instance, if Iceland beat Austria 1-0 and Portugal beat Hungary 1-0, both Iceland and Portugal will be on five points, with total goals scored putting Iceland on top of the whole group – which would probably send the country into celebration meltdown!

Equally, if Hungary hold Portugal to a draw, Iceland could still win Group F with a 2-0 win over Austria.

However, if Portugal were to lose to Hungary, first place in Group F – which is, of course, Iceland’s rightful place! – would be impossible.

Should the unthinkable happen and Iceland lose to Austria, a top two place is impossible, and qualification as one of the best third-place teams would be highly unlikely.

A draw against Austria would result in a second or third place in Group F. Iceland’s exact fate would be in the hands of the Hungary-Portugal match and developments in other groups.