15 best soccer moments of 2016

5. Iceland and Wales light up Euro 2016

International soccer tournaments normally have a bit of everything. There are outstanding goals, huge upsets and sometimes a surprise winner. Euro 2016 had all of these and more. However there were two countries who really lit up the competition — Iceland and Wales.

Both teams came into the tournament after impressive qualifying campaigns and it’s safe to say their opponents underestimated them greatly. Iceland finished above eventual winners Portugal in the group stage while Wales topped their group.

Iceland’s best moment came in the round of 16, when they overcame England in a thrilling match. English media had mostly written off Iceland and didn’t believe the tiny country stood a chance. It even got to the point where English TV pundits were discussing how they were going to play against France in the quarterfinals despite not having even played Iceland yet. England took the lead but Iceland managed to turn the result around and hold on for a 2-1 win. 

Wales must have taken inspiration from Iceland’s performance as the Welsh overcame Belgium in the quarterfinals. Not many believed Wales stood a chance, and after Belgium took the lead early on, it looked like they were heading out.

Gareth Bale and Co. didn’t believe this for a minute, though, and turned the game on its head. They eventually won 3-1 with goals from Ashley Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes. Both Iceland and Wales showed that soccer isn’t always about big names and that team spirit can triumph over the best teams.