Moscow June 25 (IANS) Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson on Monday said it would be a huge success to advance to the knockout round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in his country s first-ever World Cup appearance.
Iceland is set to face Group D leader Croatia on Tuesday and currently holds third place in the group with one point after pulling off a surprise 1-1 tie against Argentina in their debut match on June 16 reports Efe.
"For nations like Argentina Portugal or Germany it would not be a disgrace but it would be a shock not to qualify for the knockout stage. But if we were one of the 16 best if we secure a last-16 berth we d probably say this was the greatest success in the short history of Icelandic football " Hallgrimsson said at a press conference.
"I want to put in context what it means for some and what it means for others " he added.
Hallgrimsson praised the Croatian squad particularly their passing game saying "They deserve to go far if they continue playing as they have been."
Iceland s coach assured reporters that all his players are in optimal condition and had trained Monday for the challenge of defeating Croatia as a win is necessary for Iceland to advance to the last 16.
After tying Argentina and losing to Nigeria 2-0 Iceland is five points behind Croatia and two points behind second-placed Nigeria.

--IANS kk/bg