For a long time, Iceland made impressive qualifiers for the World Cup 2019. But despite, among other things, a successful victory away against the great nation Germany, the qualifying game ended in minor.
In the final match against the Czech Republic, it was 1-1 when Iceland got a penalty in the final minute.
The team's big star Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir stepped forward to push Iceland to a World Cup playoff - but missed.
- It is clear that it hurt.
We should have won against the Czech Republic.
We were not good in that match, but got a good chance to go on anyway.
I was just going to score, but what to say?
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, says Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir.
Nominated for an award
Today the feeling is better.
The 29-year-old's football life is playing, she is a recent Champions League winner with her new club Lyon and recently she was also nominated for the prize as the tournament's best midfielder.
In addition, she has a strong belief in her national team, much thanks to the younger generation.
The tongue in cheek could be 19-year-old Breidablik striker Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir.
In her first international match against Latvia the other day, she scored two goals.
- We have several young players who have come forward now and they have great potential.
It is something we have needed, young players who come up and challenge the other players in the team and make everyone have to fight a little for their place, says Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir.
Dreaming of a medal
In the long run, her dream is to one day win a medal with Iceland.
In the short term, it is a matter of winning European Championship qualifying group F and thus being directly qualified for the European Championship 2022.
- Sweden is clearly the favorite in the group.
But I think they will have a hard time with us.
They probably do not think it is so fun to play against Iceland.
We are physical and when we have a good day we can really play well and win.
- I feel that the team has developed, it is an exciting future that awaits.
We can have something good going on.
KLIPP: Here Sweden scores five goals in eight minutes against Hungary (17 September 2020)
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Sweden celebrates victory against Hungary.
Photo: Bildbyrån.