Iceland will be hoping to make an entry into a major tournament for the first time when they welcome Croatia to Reykjavik on Friday, in the first leg of the WCQ playoff.

Iceland have a tough test at home to Croatia in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.Preview: Iceland to take advantage of woeful Croatia

Lars Lagerbäck’s men will be hoping to take full advantage of Croatia’s dismal run in recent games which saw them finish second in Group A, nine points behind leaders Belgium. The Blazers got off to a flying start winning five of their opening six matches, but uncharacteristically failed to win any of their remaining four. As a result of which former head coach Igor Stimac was relieved of his duties, replaced by former Croatian captain Niko Kovac who will take charge of his team for the first time on Friday.

 

With their last win coming back in March, Kovac will have to instil a much needed belief in his side which is no short of talent. Among the squad are some of the finest players in the world of football including the likes of Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic who are first choice players at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively. The duo will be expected to be at their very best if Croatia are to get anything against an Iceland side which will be full of confidence.

Iceland will be hoping to make a major step forward by qualifying for the illustrious tournament for the first time in their history. They will be in a confident mood managed by Lars Lagerbäck who has in the past led Sweden and Nigeria to World Cup berths and will be hoping they can make it to the last 32 under the tutelage of the 65 year old.

Iceland defied competition from the likes of Slovenia and Norway to finish second in Group E and will now be raring to go all the way now. Eidur Gudjohnsen  who has a credible reputation outside the country having represented European giants Chelsea and Barcelona in the past has stated that qualification to the World Cup would be a massive achievement for his country.

"I think now is the closest that we've been [to the World Cup], not only in my international career but in Iceland's history," he said in an interview.

"It is still a distant dream but it is not so distant anymore.”

The 35 year old who has won various trophies during his stints at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and Chelsea is hopeful that he can add playing in the World Cup as one of the honours he has achieved to his name.

"It will probably be like playing a cup final, or a game to win the Premier League because it is such an amazing achievement for us.”

"I am very proud of what I have achieved in my career. Let's add the World Cup to a list of honours that I am very proud of."

Gylfi Sigurdsson will be another of Iceland’s stars who will be hoping to turn things around for his country on Friday. The 24 year old has been impressive for Tottenham this season and will be hoping to replicate his inspiring club form with his country.

Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores

Watch Iceland vs Croatia live on Friday, November 15, 2013:

In Canada at 14:00 ET on Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World Online

In USA at 14:00 ET on Watch ESPN, ESPN3

Fans based in Iceland can catch the action live on RUV, the match can also be internationally viewed on bwin Live, Qualifiers 2014 and LiveSport.TV.

For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Iceland vs Croatia match page.