The Icelandic lads performed brilliantly in this top-flight tournament, shocking many around the world. First, they were drawn to a difficult group, which included Ronaldo's Portugal, but managed to finish as runners-up behind winners of Group F Hungary. They continued to surprise when they humiliated England with a 2-1 win, which knocked out the Three Lions from UEFA Euro 2016. Gunnarsson and Co. then met up with Les Bleus in their quarter-final match, but Iceland's dreams of going all the way was crushed, as they were not able to book their ticket to the semi-finals.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, midfielder Gylfi Sigurðsson expressed his pride for Iceland:
"It's been a fantastic tournament and something special for a small team. We have probably overachieved.
"It gives kids back home hope that something like this is possible, and hopefully we'll be back in another finals."
Regardless of their defeat at the Stade de France, Iceland will be forever remembered for their extraordinary story at Euro 2016.
Take a look at the statistics behind Iceland's surprise success:
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Iceland is the joint-third highest scoring team in the competition with eight goals, despite having the fifth lowest number of goalscoring attempts (29). This corresponds to a shot conversion rate of 21 percent.
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What makes their goalscoring record remarkable is the fact that Lars Lagerback's men have had an average of 35 percent of ball possession, which is the lowest in the competition. Although their low ball possession and the second-lowest pass completion rate at 71 percent, Iceland has found the back of the net many times.
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Goal keeper Hannes Halldorsson has made a whopping 27 saves, which is the most shots blocked in this tournament
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The Swedish media outlet Aftonbladet has reported that Iceland's round of 16 match against England had a massive 99.8 percent TV rating, which means the entire population had watched the game.
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Just six years ago, FIFA ranked this national side as the 112th best team in the world. However, since Euro 2016, Iceland sit in the 34th position and their ranking will most likely rise after their impressive performances.
Their strong exhibitions in France has come to an end, and fans took to Twitter to say their farewells to Iceland.
Proud of iceland pic.twitter.com/ZuxrKVZAvP
— T.E.C (@AsyrafKR) July 3, 2016
It is sad to see a team like Iceland being defeated in a late stage of a tournament. They did great and deserve much respect.
— Alucard (@syafhancy) July 3, 2016
Well Iceland is out but at least they managed to accomplish a lot
— Ashley (@yesitsForgiven) July 3, 2016
Iceland fans didn't want to go home pic.twitter.com/NFmXbsWDzi
— Simon Evans (@sgevans) July 3, 2016
the pride of Iceland is something to admire
— n. (@mydisasteroIogy) July 3, 2016
Iceland played so well. Nothing but respect for them!
— Gabe Salinas (@Chef_GShmurdda) July 3, 2016
I feel for Iceland but so happy for them at the same time, what an achievement!
— NeedleInTheNorth (@Needle_North) July 3, 2016
Iceland should be beyond proud of their journey. Can't wait to see them in more major tournaments!
— Naomi Sambrook (@NaomiSamburger) July 3, 2016
The best of... Iceland #euro2016 Foto: Reuters pic.twitter.com/xh62k3zvi3
— Jaroslav Kmenta (@JaroslavKmenta) July 3, 2016
I can't be the only one who started to like them #EURO2016 #FRAISLhttps://t.co/KOoGOGcWBY pic.twitter.com/mJ7uwdQWRh
— 9GAG (@9GAG) July 3, 2016
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