“We are all very excited to play in England, on some of the country’s most famous stadiums,” said Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, Iceland’s soccer captain. However, the mood quickly changed when Gunnarsdottir had found out some shocking news. Their team would be playing two out of their three games at the Manchester City Academy Stadium, a tiny little stadium, with a capacity of 7,000 people.
“You’re playing in England, you have so many stadiums, and we have a training ground from City. It’s just embarrassing.”, Gunnarsdottir stated.
However, the team managed to turn things around and made some use out of the small stadium instead of complaining about it.
During the match, the stadium was packed with people, from both Iceland and their opponent, Belgium. The match was a huge success, but not because they won, but because the crowd brought back the “Viking Clap”, and even their Prime Minister.
It was six years since the last time The Viking Clap was heard, or done, in 2016.
The Viking Clap is when the spectators start chanting and clapping for victory.
“Although the numbers in England for Euro 2022 are nowhere near the same scale, the estimated 2,000 Iceland supporters inside the Academy Stadium added to a carnival atmosphere, with the Viking clap heard throughout their side’s opening Group D game”, says BBC.
How Iceland’s match viewers were so supportive during the match even with a tiny stadium that is not very well known, is amazing.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62107761
“You’re playing in England, you have so many stadiums, and we have a training ground from City. It’s just embarrassing.”, Gunnarsdottir stated.
However, the team managed to turn things around and made some use out of the small stadium instead of complaining about it.
During the match, the stadium was packed with people, from both Iceland and their opponent, Belgium. The match was a huge success, but not because they won, but because the crowd brought back the “Viking Clap”, and even their Prime Minister.
It was six years since the last time The Viking Clap was heard, or done, in 2016.
The Viking Clap is when the spectators start chanting and clapping for victory.
“Although the numbers in England for Euro 2022 are nowhere near the same scale, the estimated 2,000 Iceland supporters inside the Academy Stadium added to a carnival atmosphere, with the Viking clap heard throughout their side’s opening Group D game”, says BBC.
How Iceland’s match viewers were so supportive during the match even with a tiny stadium that is not very well known, is amazing.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62107761
