How did Icelanders cheer on their team? Reykjavík during the Iceland-Croatia game
As you probably know, the media were delighted with Iceland and its supporters during the World Cup. No wonder! This tiny country performed for the first time in history in this huge football competition! Not only as many as 10% of the population flew to Russia to cheer on their favourites, but they also did it in their unique way, which somehow became fashionable among other teams supporters. How did this cheering look like here in Iceland? I decided to check it out and went to the supporter zones during the match Iceland-Croatia!
For the duration of the World Cup, there were several large outdoor screens set up in Reykjavík, where you could enjoy the game of both Iceland and other teams' matches. The first half I decided to watch in the nearby park Hljómskálagarðurinn, which is located around the charming pond Tjörnin. The largest screen in the whole city was located here, and it was here that the largest group of fans could be found.
Everybody, Icelanders, immigrants and tourists were cheering the team. The park had an idyllic atmosphere typical for Icelandic events, there was no mention of any hooligans or aggression. Although, of course, it was possible to see individuals who exaggerated a bit with alcohol.
A lot of kids were running around. Some of them watched the game with their parents, but most of them preferred to take care of their own affairs.
Some came to the match straight from work - changing the outfits may wait, cheering of your favourite team can't :) As you can see, nobody bothers consuming beer in official uniform, even if it's a municipal employee.
Around the supporters' zone one could grab something hot to eat. Including the iconic Icelandic hot-dog, which they call pylsur (sic! have their own word for hotdogs!).
As we know, Iceland lost and it was their last match at the World Cup. Icelanders, of course, would have preferred to see a different result, but they were still extremely proud of their football vikings. No wonder, as they lost in a very fine and brave style, something completely opposite to my Polish team. Icelanders were happy that they got to this tournament at all, and seeing a decent football performance provided by their team could only warm their hearts.
During the break I moved to a small square in the very centre of the city, called Ingólfstorg. There was definitely less space there, so it was a bit tighter to cheer on Icelandic team.
At the end of the match, an airplane of the Icelandic airline WOW Air flew over us with the huuge HÚH! on its bottom!
If you do not know what HÚH! is, I have registered it especially for you! Check it out:
Iceland is a very safe country. Croatians had nothing to be afraid of that day :) And proudly, although in a large minority, supported their team. Yesterday, it is they who have won with Russia and are moving on to the semi-finals. I personally would like to see Croatia victorious in this tournament. Icelanders would also be happy, because to lose with a master is not to lose at all ;)
I used to support Croatia in 1998 WC because I knew nothing about football at that time and their jersey was appealing to me. They reached till 3rd place surprising everyone! I really want Croatia to win this time.
Me too, I love balkan countries :) And they are borthers slavics!