Everything Iceland does at Euro 2016 writes a new page in the country’s history books.
Just by qualifying it made history. Birkir Bjarnason’s goal against Portugal made history. The point gained from the draw against Portugal made history.
After an impressive victory over Austria — considered by many dark horses for this tournament — the Hungarians could have been forgiven for thinking that overcoming Iceland, and qualifying for the last 16, was a considerably simpler task.
However, it needed a fortuitous last-minute own goal to salvage a point against a resolute Iceland side — an own goal that looks set to send them through to the last 16.
In an even first half, both sides’ lack of quality in the final third was evident and, for all their enthusiasm, neither was able to create any clear-cut opportunities.
Eventually, it was a goalkeeping blunder and controversial refereeing decision that broke the deadlock.
Hungary’s eccentric veteran goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly — seen producing no-look throws and rolling the ball between his legs — seemed to have a corner under control, but spilled the ball at Aron Gunnarsson’s feet.
The Cardiff City midfielder took a touch around Hungary defender Tamas Kadar and went to ground, prompting referee Sergei Karasev to point to the penalty spot.
Premier League star Gylfi Sigurdsson stepped up confidently and rolled the ball into the corner, sending Kiraly the wrong way.
Iceland had 45 minutes to hold on for the win.
The islanders irked Cristiano Ronaldo in its first game, defending valiantly to hold on for a draw after scoring an equalizer early in the second half.
“Iceland only tried to defend… they had two chances and then did not try to score,” the Real Madrid man said after the game.
“They celebrated like they had won the Euro cup or something, that’s a small mentality. That’s why they’ll do nothing.”
Unfortunately, Iceland wasn’t able to reproduce its defensive heroics again.
With just two minutes of regulation time remaining, Birkir Saevarsson slid into the six-yard box to try and prevent Adam Szalai from scoring but inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
Iceland were heartbroken, but almost stole the win in the final seconds of stoppage time.
Sigurdsson’s free kick hit the wall and fell into the path of veteran striker Eidur Gudjohnsen — but there was to be no fairytale ending, his shot hitting Kadar’s heel and spinning past the post.
With an underwhelming Austria team to play next, Iceland can be confident of writing yet more history.
Hungary plays Portugal in the group’s final game, although are all-but assured of a place in the last 16.