Lagerback happy to complete ‘fantastic honour’ with Iceland

Lars Lagerback will not forget the whirlwind last month of his tenure as Iceland co-coach any time soon. Alongside Heimir Hallgrimsson, Lagerback oversaw a dream run to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016, leaving England in their wake in the round of 16, while also avoiding defeat against Portugal in the group stages.

France proved a class above in the quarterfinals, winning 5-2 with goals from Olivier Giroud (two), Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann and Lagerback was not shy to admit the better team won.

“I would like to congratulate France. It is a fantastic team, even if we maybe helped them a little bit in the first half,” he said.

“[Iceland] worked hard and wanted it but we did not use our brains and play the normal way we do. We weren’t sharp enough in decision making and things like that. We did some silly mistakes and didn’t defend well as a team. We were very, very passive when we won the ball.

“It’s been a fantastic tournament so it’s a big thank you to everybody, including to you all [the media] – you have given our guys a lot of positive responses and respect like our fans have, so I really appreciate that.”

Lagerback said it had been special to serve his country over almost five years, as he is set to step down with Hallgrimsson taking sole ownership of the coaching role.

“It’s been a fantastic honour for me this four and a half years,” Lagerback continued.