Iceland caught cold, says Vidarsson

Caught cold in the first minute, Iceland's players were left to reflect on what might have been after a second consecutive 2-0 defeat left their hopes of progressing at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship all but extinguished.

Goals by Fabian Frei and Innocent Emeghara at either end of the first half paved the way for Switzerland, whose victory puts them on six points in Group A, and on the verge of the semi-finals. For Iceland captain Bjarni Vidarsson, the explanation was simple, yet exasperating. "It was just that we weren't ready for the game," he said. "The ref blew his whistle and we were too far away from their players – it was difficult all game."

Frei's goal arrived after just 58 seconds. For Iceland, it was the last thing they needed following their late loss to Belarus on Saturday. "Yeah of course it's a big blow but of course we kept going and we tried," the central midfielder said, "but they were the stronger team today, much stronger. We were not aggressive enough and when you concede a goal after one minute it's a big blow."

Haraldur Björnsson made some excellent saves as Switzerland bossed the first half in Aalborg and the goalkeeper lamented his side's early approach. "We didn't start the game properly," he told UEFA.com. "We gave them the lead after just a minute and it was always going to be hard if you give two goals away."

Some fleeting first-half highlights apart, Iceland struggled to show the dynamic attacking play that was hallmark of their qualification campaign, when they were the competition's top scorers. Identifying a possible reason for this proved just as elusive as the goals themselves, said Vidarsson. "We were not sharp enough in our attacking play. I don't know what it is. We had chances against Belarus and didn't finish them – we have to work on it and do something."

Iceland were missing midfield anchorman Aron Gunnarsson through suspension and their injured top scorer Johann Gudmundsson. However, it was the team's approach that was lacking according to the KV Mechelen man: "Both of them are brilliant players, and we have some good players on the bench but that didn't matter much today as we were not ready at all."

Now Iceland turn their attentions to Saturday's final group game against hosts Denmark, a match Vidarsson said they will "have to get ourselves up for", but motivation is provided by the country's travelling fans, who again turned out in substantial numbers.

"They were great – a lot of people came over from Iceland and did their best but we disappointed them," the 23-year-old said. "There is one game left, and we won't leave Denmark without scoring a goal or getting a point so we will give everything."