Euro 2008

Qualifying group F

Iceland 1 - Spain 1

Iceland: Arason; Steinsson, Ingimarsson, Hreidarsson, Arnason; Vidarsson (Skulason 69'), Hannes Sigurdsson, Hallfredsson, R Sigurdsson; Gudjonsson (Adalstinsson 77'), Thordvaldsson (Björnsson 88'). 4-4-2.
Spain: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Juanito, Marchena, Pernía (Albelda 26'); Joaquín (Luis García 69'), Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Silva; David Villa, Fernando Torres (Iniesta 57'). 4-4-2.

Goals:
1-0. 40. Hallfredsson. Dived forward to head Gudjonsson cross back past Casillas.
1-1. 86. Iniesta. Won ball on edge of area and rolled shot past keeper on the fall.

Once again a late goal from substitute Andrés Iniesta saved the day for Spain. Although they were favourites to beat Iceland, the cold rain and wind made playing conditions difficult, and they were up against it when Xabi Alonso was sent off with only twenty minutes on the clock for stamping back on Vidarsson in retaliation to one of several hard tackles.

Aragonés brought on Albelda for Pernía, but the home side were on top, with Thordvaldsson turning a shot wide and having another effort saved by Casillas. Arason saved from Sergio Ramos at the other end and Torres drove a long shot wide, but with five minutes to go to the break an unmarked Hallfredsson gave the Scandinavian side the lead when he headed Gudjonnson's cross back past Casillas.

A couple of minutes later David Villa had a goal ruled out for a dubious offside, but with the game slipping out of his grasp Aragonés took a risk bringing off his main striker Fernando Torres to introduce Iniesta. Arnason fired a shot over and Thordvaldsson brought two more good saves out of Casillas, but the substitute battled through to equalise with only four minutes remaining. Results elsewhere favoured Spain, who still have to win their three remaining home games and pick up a point in Denmark to be sure of qualifying.