We are still trying to overcome this because it was really difficult to accept, ”confesses Gudmundur Benediktsson with a sigh. Sensation of the last Euro in France in 2016 and after a more discreet 2018 World Cup, Iceland failed to qualify for a third major tournament in a row seven months ago. Icelandic footballers, however, had their ticket in hand for 88 minutes leading the score before cracking and conceding two goals at the very end of the game against Hungary (1-2) in the final of the lane A play-offs.
“When we look at the group now: France, Germany, Portugal, and then we see Hungary, then we remember that we should have been there. So, of course, it always hurts a bit, ”admits Icelandic“ the crazy commentator ”. Five years ago, Gummi Ben, as he is nicknamed on his island, was ecstatic at losing his voice with loud bangs. jáááááá (“Yes”, in Icelandic) between two breaths after a winning goal by Arnor Ingvi Traustason against Austria (2-1) or vehemently instructed the referee to whistle the end of the match by telling England that she can “leave Europe” after a historic Icelandic qualification in the quarter-finals.
He will comment on the other matches
His lyrical flights have accompanied every feat of the smallest nation to ever take part in an international tournament. “The emotions were strong, I must say. It was our very first participation, a really special moment for Icelandic sport and the history of sport in general, not just football for that matter, ”recalls the former international striker with a bit of nostalgia.
When your team plays, it makes things even more extraordinary.
If Gudmundur Benediktsson should still be on the trip for this Euro 2020 and comment on a few meetings, without Iceland the enthusiasm will be less. “Football is so unpredictable that you can’t prepare yourself or decide what to say or not to say. So, of course, I can get carried away if something happens, you never know… But I have to say not as much as if Iceland were playing… ”admits the one who usually comments on football for a local private channel, especially the matches of the Premier League in England or the Pepsi Max deild, the weak Icelandic league. “When your team plays, it makes things even more extraordinary. ”
Especially since the forties has played with some executives of the selection, coached some during his short coaching career and his son, the promising Albert Gudmundsson, is now part of the team and embodies the new breath that seeks to infuse the federation with Icelandic football. “It will certainly take time to rebuild a competitive team, but I think we are closer than some think,” said Gummi Ben, who will meet at the next Euro.
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