Iceland out but the fans arent down after Croatia defeat

World Cup debutants Iceland proved they can compete against the top teams and the Nordic nation’s players will depart Russia with their heads held high even if they failed to win a single game.

The smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the tournament, Iceland’s giant-killing performances in Euro 2016 sent an early warning that they would not be in Russia just to make up the numbers.

They began their campaign brightly with a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi’s Argentina but that would be their only point as they finished bottom of Group D.

Supporters leaving the Rostov Arena on Tuesday after watching Iceland bow out of the tournament following a 2-1 loss to Croatia said they were proud of their team.

Unlike in their first two matches against Argentina and Nigeria where they were more solid at the back, it was Iceland who were on the front foot and had the best of the chances against the Croats.

They had 17 attempts on goal to Croatia’s 13 on Tuesday, and not being able to come away from Russia with a victory probably remained the only disappointment for the Iceland team and supporters.

Croatia fans said they were delighted that their side had won all three of their group stage matches. Croatia next play Denmark in the Round of 16 on July 1.