Iceland blasts England from Euro 2016

SBS World News Radio: It's been a day of upsets at the Euro 2016 football championships.

Iceland blasts England from Euro 2016Iceland blasts England from Euro 2016

Iceland blasts England from Euro 2016

First, championship title-holder Spain was knocked out by Italy in a 2-nil victory.

But in the ultimate upset Iceland knocked out England with a 2-1 shock win in the round of 16.

Iceland has pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history, bundling England out of Euro 2016 with a shock 2-1 victory in the round of 16.

Iceland came from behind in Nice to throw the heavyweights of football out of the comp.

"Iceland's fantasy beyond fantasy. Tonight Reykjavik is the global party city. England glum beyod glum. A fairy tale too ludicrous to write has come gloriously to life."

Last week, Iceland commentator Gummi Ben gained fans around the world for his wildly enthusiastic calls over Iceland's win against Austria.

And at this match he did not disappoint.

England slumped to its most embarrassing loss in a generation after taking the lead in the fourth minute when Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot.

But Iceland took advantage of defensive shortcomings and took the lead in the 18th minute, their superb defence earning them the biggest win in their history.

In a further blow to England, the defeat prompted manager Roy Hodgson to resign.

Announcing his resignation immediately after the loss, he read from a carefully prepared statement, prompting speculation he had written it before England took the field against Iceland.

"It's been a fantastic journey these four years and it's one I'll look back on and remember with pride. I'm sorry it had to end this way with another exit from the tournament, but these things happen and all I can do is wish everybody all the very best and hope that you will still be able to see an England team in a final of a major tournament fairly soon. Thank you very much."

Iceland will face host France in the quarter-finals.

In another major upset, Italy has ended Spain's era of dominance and their bid for a record third successive European title.

Italy beat the two-time defending champions 2-nil, goals by Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle setting up a quarter-final with world champion Germany.


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2 min read

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By Nakari Thorpe



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