Country: Iceland

Coaches: Arndal Sigursteinn

Key Players: Omar Ingi Magnusson (Right Back), Arnar Freyr Arnarsson (Line Player), Odinn Thor Rikhardsson (Right Wing)

Qualification for Algeria 2017: Men’s U20 European Championship, DEN – 7th place

History in Tournament: 1977: DNQ, 1979: 7th, 1981: 6th, 1983: DNQ, 1985: 8th, 1987: 16th, 1989: 5th, 1991, 5th, 1993: 3rd, 1995-2003: DNQ, 2005: 9th, 2007: DNQ, 2009: 13th, 2011-2015: DNQ

 

Overview:

 

Iceland were 7th at the Men’s U20 European Championship which took place in Denmark from 28 July to 7 August last year. But the fact that they didn’t make the semi-finals at the continental competition doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be considered a threat. In Group B they showed their toughness when they drew at 28:28 versus Spain — who claimed the trophy later.

 

“Our main strengths are cohesion and willingness. Also, we have been together for a long time and know each other and our setup well,” believes Iceland coach Arndal Sigursteinn.

 

Right back Omar Ingi Magnusson, who plays his club handball for Denmark’s Aarhus, is one of the Icelandic side stars. He scored 47 goals at the last European Championship, while right wing Odinn Thor Rikhardsson was Iceland’s top scorer with 63. IFK Kristianstad’s (SWE) line player Arnar Freyr Arnarsson is also an essential member of the Nordic team.

 

After missing the last three editions of the IHF Men’s U21 World Championship, Iceland are cautious when they talk about their ambitions for Algeria 2017. “We are real athletes and allow us to dream big, but keep all the goals within the team.”

 

“In our World Championship group there are strong nations like Croatia, Argentina and it will be very difficult to meet the Algerians at their home field,” says the coach. Morocco and Saudi Arabia will also be part of Group D at the ecumenical competition.

 

Sigursteinn knows his boys don’t have to underestimate anyone: “It's a World Championship and the focus needs to be 100% in all games, otherwise the consequences can be bad and our options at the tournament can be ruined. We will respect all our opponents.”

 

Before travelling to Algeria, Iceland will play two friendly matches against the Men’s Junior World Championship title holders France.

 

Group D: Croatia, Iceland, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Morocco.

 

Games at Algeria 2017:

All times local

 

Tuesday 18 July: ISL-ARG (18:00)

Wednesday 19 July: KSA-ISL (16:00)

Friday 21 July: ISL-ALG (20:00)

Saturday 22 July: ISL-MAR (16:00)

Monday 24 July: CRO-ISL (12:00)

 

You can follow the Iceland team campaign on their official channels: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

 

IHF Website & Social Media:

For a complete coverage of the 2017 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship stay tuned to our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels.