Iceland ready for their chance

Iceland coach Ólafur Thór Gudbjörnsson believes the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship "will be an opportunity of a lifetime" for his team but having impressed with some eye-catching performances before the tournament, they could take away even more than the experience.

Promising results
Without the pressure of having to qualify, finals hosts Iceland have been honing their preparations in a series of friendlies, putting together a set of results which has forced others to stand up and notice. The warm-ups began in La Manga in March when Gudbjörnsson's team recorded draws against fellow finalists England and Denmark, teams they had lost to in qualifying for last year's tournament in Switzerland - 7-1 against the former. That progress was capped in June when Rakel Hönnudóttir scored in a 1-0 win over Sweden, raising hopes the side could exceed expectations on home turf this month.

'Exciting tournament'
"The players are in good form as the domestic season is now under way," said Gudbjörnsson. "They worked hard last winter and spring and there is a great team spirit. Results have improved greatly over the last year and while we know it is not going to be easy we are determined to do Iceland proud." The results, coupled with the senior side's stunning 4-1 victory against China in March, has raised interest in the country at just the right time and Gudbjörnsson believes his players could capitalise on a groundswell of support. "People in Iceland are interested in seeing such a high level of women's football," said the 38-year-old. "It will be an exciting tournament and we look at it as an opportunity of a lifetime for the players, something they will gain immense experience from." Whether they gain any more remains to be seen.