In an exciting Euro 2024 qualification match, Iceland will face Bosnia-Herzegovina, aiming to secure back-to-back victories in Group J.
Taking place on Tuesday night, this clash holds significant importance for both teams as they strive towards earning a spot in the tournament.
Iceland made their mark in international football when they competed in Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in their sole European Championship appearance.
However, they missed out on Euro 2020, and their struggles in Group J make it challenging for them to finish in the top two positions.
With just three points from five games, Iceland finds themselves in fifth place, trailing second-placed Slovakia by seven points.
Despite a convincing 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein, Iceland has recently suffered three consecutive defeats, including a 3-1 loss to Luxembourg.
To revive their qualification hopes, Iceland must win their upcoming home matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.
Only with all three wins can they stand a chance of sneaking into the top two spots in the closing stages of the campaign.
On the other hand, Bosnia-Herzegovina enters the match after securing a 2-1 victory over Liechtenstein. Edin Dzeko’s early goal and an own goal gave them a comfortable lead, despite conceding one in the first half.
Currently in fourth place with six points in Group J, Bosnia-Herzegovina is four points behind Slovakia, emphasizing the importance of a positive result in this game.
While Bosnia-Herzegovina has never qualified for a European Championship, their presence in the 2014 World Cup group stage signifies their potential.
In the reverse fixture against Iceland, they emerged victorious with a commanding 3-0 win. However, before defeating Liechtenstein, Bosnia-Herzegovina experienced three consecutive defeats in the group.
Iceland’s recent Euro Championship qualifying form includes a win followed by four losses, while their overall form in all competitions reflects two wins and four losses.
Conversely, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Euro Championship qualifying campaign shows two wins and three losses, with an overall record of three wins and three losses.
Team News:
Iceland will miss central defender Horour Magnusson due to a red card received in their defeat to Luxembourg.
Alfons Sampsted is likely to replace him, while Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson is expected to retain his spot in midfield.
The talented forward Alfreo Finnbogason and 20-year-old Hakon Arnar Haraldsson are set to start in the attacking third.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has no fresh injury concerns from their recent win over Liechtenstein, suggesting they will field the same lineup.
Despite his age, the experienced Edin Dzeko remains a key player for his country’s team and was influential in their victory over Liechtenstein.
Nemanja Bilbija is expected to partner with Dzeko upfront, supported by Miralem Pjanic, Rade Krunic, and Sead Kolasinac.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Iceland:
- Runarsson
- Lunddal
- Palsson
- Sampsted
- Finnsson
- S Magnusson
- Traustason
- Gudmundsson
- Porsteinsson
- Finnbogason
- Haraldsson
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
- Sehic
- Milicevic
- Hadzikadunic
- Kolasinac
- Dedic
- Nalic
- Pjanic
- Krunic
- Demirovic
- Dzeko
- Bilbija
Prediction:
Considering Iceland’s recent disappointing performance against Luxembourg and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s improved form, we predict a 2-1 victory for Bosnia-Herzegovina.
A win in this match would significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024. Iceland faces an uphill battle to secure a positive result against a determined opponent.