Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 7, 2024 9:59 pm GMT
Date: September 6, 2024 – Iceland will kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign against Montenegro at 19:45 local time in Reykjavik. This matchup in Group B4 marks a crucial moment for both teams as they seek to secure an advantageous position in the tournament.
Teams in the Spotlight
Iceland, managed by Åge Hareide, is looking to regroup following a challenging period for the national squad, which has struggled since its “golden generation” era. The team has not qualified for a major tournament since the 2018 World Cup and will aim to overcome recent shortcomings in their play. Conversely, Montenegro, under manager Robert Prosinecki, has shown signs of improvement, finishing third in their Euro 2024 qualifying group and positioning themselves as a potentially formidable opponent.
Recent Performance and Historical Context
Iceland’s performance in recent matches has been a mixed bag; they suffered a hefty 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands in June, overshadowing a notable 1-0 victory against England earlier that month. The team’s recent form will be pivotal as they seek to avoid further declines. Historically, Iceland and Montenegro have faced each other only once, which took place in a friendly back in February 2012 where Montenegro emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
As they prepare for this encounter, Iceland will be missing out on their typical squad depth, lacking the quality of players that once propelled them onto the European stage. Nonetheless, Hareide hopes the deployment of experienced players can turn the tide in their favor.
The State of Montenegro
Montenegro’s national squad is in a transitional phase, adapting under Prosinecki’s management. Despite their improvement seen during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, they still have not made it to the finals of major tournaments, akin to Iceland’s plight. Their last Nations League campaign saw them finish third, ensuring they remained in League B without promotion or demotion. Montenegro’s notable players, such as Stevan Jovetic and Stefan Mugosa, will be crucial for their offensive game.
Squad Insights and Projected Lineups
Iceland’s lineup will likely feature key players, including Gylfi Sigurdsson, who returns to the squad after an absence, bringing with him an impressive scoring record. Other players to watch include Andri Gudjohnsen and Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, both of whom are expected to make significant contributions in the match.
Montenegro’s lineup will hinge on veterans like Jovetic, though his recent lack of club activity might affect how readily he contributes from the outset. The potential debut of younger talent such as midfielder Milan Vukotic adds an intriguing layer to Montenegro’s tactical setup.
Projected Lineups
| Iceland | Montenegro |
|---|---|
| Valdimarsson | Mijatovic |
| Palsson | Vesovic |
| Ingason | Vukcevic |
| Hermannsson | Marusic |
| Finnsson | Radunovic |
| Traustason | Jovovic |
| Gudmundsson | Camaj |
| Anderson | Erakovic |
| Haraldsson | Brnovic |
| Thorsteinsson | Jovetic |
| A Gudjohnsen | Mugosa |
Potential Outcomes and Betting Odds
The match is expected to be tightly contested, with betting markets indicating Iceland as slight favorites at even odds. Montenegro’s position at 12/5 showcases potential value for those looking to back the visitors. Additionally, the possibility of a draw sits at 11/5. Given the relatively equal stature of the teams, a draw could be a plausible outcome.
Other betting considerations include options on total goals, where over 2.5 goals is predicted at 11/10. Perhaps, tactical choices by both managers may lead to a conservative approach, favoring a halftime draw bet available at 11/10.
Expectations Ahead
This match sets a critical tone for both Iceland and Montenegro as they delve deeper into the Nations League competition. The outcome could pave the way for either team to seize momentum in Group B4, where they also face stiff competition from Wales and Turkey. As the group unfolds, both sides will be eager to not only begin their campaign with a strong performance but also to build confidence for upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Looking to the Future
This match is important for more than just winning or losing; it’s a chance for both countries to help their teams grow and maybe even bring back some of their past successes. For Iceland, playing well could be a big step in rebuilding their team. For Montenegro, it might show that they are improving in European football.
