The Icelandic women's football league (Úrvalsdeild)

Discussion in 'Women's International' started by Páll Guðmundsson, May 25, 2020.

  1. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    This thread is dedicated to women's football in Iceland. The Icelandic women's league was founded in 1972 so this year (2020) will be the 48th time the competition will be held. The idea is to give readers all the recent news about Icelandic women's football, results, curious facts about players and Icelandic football teams and also insights into the history of women's football in Iceland. The country is of course very small, only 360.000 people, but Icelandic clubs have been doing quite well recently, with Stjarnan and Breiðablik reaching the round of 16 in the Champions League 2017-18 and 2019-20 seasons respectively. Currently the Icelandic women's league is ranked 19th by FIFA. There are not only Icelandic players who play in the Icelandic league. Many foreign internationals have also plied their trade in Iceland from countries like Scotland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Brazil and so forth. Let's have fun with this.
     
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  2. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    A few facts about women's football in Iceland.

    The first Women's team in Iceland was Hvöt from the small town of Ísafjörður in the West fjords, founded in 1914.

    A picture of the first Icelandic women's team is found in this link.
    https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2017/07/09/stulkur_a_isafirdi_brutu_isinn_1914_7/

    One of the players, Anna Borg would become the most famous actress in Iceland in the early 20th century and enjoyed great success in Denmark

    In 1968, a group of parents wanted to report a youth game because the player who scored the most goals was a girl. She would late become one of the best players in the Icelandic women's league after it was founded a few years later.

    The first official women's football match in Iceland was held in 1970 between teams from Reykjavík city and the town of Keflavík. The game was a exhibition game before a men's international match. About 5000 people were in attendance. Reykjavík won with the only goal of game.

    1972. The Icelandic women's league is founded ant the first champions were FH from the town of Hafnafjörður, then the second largest town in Iceland. They wold also win in 1974, 1975 and 1976. Since then, FH has not won a title. FH will though play in the top tier league this year after earning a promotion.

    1979. Guðbjörg Petersen becomes, as far as I know, the first woman in the world to referee a man's football match.

    More to come later...
     
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  3. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    #3 Páll Guðmundsson, May 25, 2020
    Last edited: May 25, 2020
    Predictions for this season and introduction to the teams. (2020)

    10th place.

    Þróttur Reykjavík
    Founded: 1949
    Best results: 5th place in 1973, 1974 and 1975
    2019 result: 1st place in the 1. division (2nd tier league)
    Coach: Anthony Chamberlain

    Prediction: A very young and inexperienced team. Did not do well in the transfer market this spring. Lost their best player from last year, the Northern-Ireland international Lauren Wade to England. Have little hope of staying among the best at the end of the season, nonetheless this summer is gonna proof to be a good experience for young and up and coming players.

    Best player: Linda Líf Boama. Only 19 years old. Tall, strong and physical striker. What she lacks in pace she adds in vision. With more improvement she could be a future striker for the Icelandic national team. Scored 22 goals in 18 games last season in the first divison

    Other players to watch: Andrea Rut Bjarnadóttir (17) and Jelena Tinna Kujundzic (17). Both players who are currently playing with the Under-17 national team.
     
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  4. Lohmann

    Lohmann Member+

    Arminia Bielefeld
    Germany
    Feb 24, 2020
    Nat'l Team:
    Germany
    Do you mean the FIFA world ranking for national teams? I haven`t heard about a FIFA ranking for leagues.
     
  5. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Right you are.
     
  6. blissett

    blissett Member+

    Aug 20, 2011
    Italy
    Club:
    --other--
    Nat'l Team:
    --other--
    Thanks for opening this thread: I will be glad to learn the ins and outs of women's football in Iceland and its history. :)

    At the very least, I am going to learn something about Icelandic alphabet from a native speaker! :giggle:
     
  7. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    #7 Páll Guðmundsson, May 25, 2020
    Last edited: May 25, 2020
    My prediction: 9th place

    ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar
    Founded 1903
    Best result: 2nd place 2003, 2003 and 2012
    Last years result: 8th place
    Coach: Andri Ólafsson

    About the team: The hometown of Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir, Vestmannaeyjar has always had a good combination of local talent and foreign internationals. Last year was no exception. But after loosing their best player, the Canadian-Icelander, Cloé Lacasse to Benfica, the team crumbled. After a very disappointing season a new young coach was hired and many of the local key players decided to leave the club. To compensate, the club signed many new foreign internationals which leaves many questions to be asked about the team. Vestmannaeyjar is a beautiful town on the Island of Heymaey, just south of the mainland. Weather can be quite brutal there and so these foreign players have much to get used to. The town was nearly buried by lava in 1972 after a volcanic fissure opened up on the eastern part of the island. Instead of abandoning their town the townspeople decided to save their town by creating an elaborate pipe system to distribute sea water over the lava to cool it down and succeeded in doing so. This just shows how hardy these people are who live there, so never count them out.

    Best player: Fatma Kara (28), a Turkish international. Quick with good technique and vision. Can do things with the ball that other players can't do but also has a habit of turning off her game. Easily irritated and then looses interest.

    Other players to watch: Auður Sveinbjörnsdóttir (18) a young and promising goalkeeper and Karolina Miksone (20) a striker from Latvia, strong in the air and has a lot of pace.
     
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  8. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    My prediction: 8th place

    FH Hafnafjörður
    Founded: 1929
    Champions: 1972, 1974 and 1975
    Last years result: 2nd place in the 1. Division
    Coach: Guðni Eiríksson

    About the team: FH is back to the Úrvalsdeild after one year in the 1. division. Despite a slight slump during the second half of the season last year, the team looked solid with young and exciting players leading the charge. With the addition of two players with international experience, the team could surprise other teams that are now ranked above them prior to the season.

    Best player: Sigríður Lára Garðarsdóttir (26), a box to box midfielder with 20 international caps. Tall, strong and physical, she reminds me a little bit of Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir on the field. Of course, she does not share the same talent, drive or consistency as Gunnarsdóttir and is not as comfortable with the ball but she can score the occasional goal and has the same never say die attitude. This is the first time she plays with a club other than ÍBV in Iceland. She had though a short stint with Lilleström in 2018. A new challenge for her. Hopefully for FH, she will be able to rise to it.

    Other players to watch: Andrea Mist Pálsdóttir (22), another midfielder who can play in the hole behind the striker. Icelandic champion with Þór/KA in 2017. Has three caps to her name. Birta Georgsdóttir (18), one of the most promising prospects in Iceland today. Plays as a striker but can also play on the flanks. As of yet, she hasn't been prolific in front of the goal but the talent is there. Hopefully this year, the goals will come pouring in. Rannveig Bjarnadóttir (21), another exctiting young player who can also provide goals from the midfield.
     
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  9. cpthomas

    cpthomas BigSoccer Supporter

    Portland Thorns
    United States
    Jan 10, 2008
    Portland, Oregon
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Pall, thank you for these. I am checking to see when Dagny Brynjarsdottir comes up, as I have wondered where she will be playing.
     
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  10. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    All in good time ;)

     
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  11. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    #11 Páll Guðmundsson, May 28, 2020
    Last edited: May 28, 2020
    Stjarnan
    Founded: 1960
    Champions: 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016
    Last year: 5th place
    Coach: Kristján Guðmundsson

    My prediction: 7th place

    About the team: The most most dominant team in Iceland in the last decade, it has seen some decline in the last three years: Gone are such players like Harpa Þorsteinsdóttir (67 caps, 19 goals) Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttur (71 caps, 10 goals), Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir (84 caps, 6 goals) and Anna Björk Kristjánsdóttir (43 caps). Instead the team has had to rely on players from their youth academy and are thinking long term. Last year, Stjarnan surprised everyone by finishing in 5th place at the end of the season. This year with a little added experience Stjarnan is expected to continue to cause some further upsets but can not hope for much better than 7th place, everything above that should be considered a bonus.

    Best Player: Betsy Hassett, a New Zealand international with 119 caps for her country and 13 goals. A surprise move from KR Reykjavík which will add much needed experience to the team. A good all around player with pace and good understanding of the game. A real boon for Stjarnan and a good role model.

    Other players to watch: Anna María Baldursdóttir (25), a player from the 95' class of Icelandic players which is considered to be one of the best ever produced in the country and includes such players as Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir, Elín Metta Jensen, Sandra María Jessen, Sava Rós Guðmundsdóttir and Telma Hjaltalín Þrastardóttir. A tall and strong central defender, she is expected to become the leader of this young and inexperienced team. Hildigunnur Ýr Benediktsdóttir (17), a name to remember though difficult. Only 16 years old, she played 10 games and scored 7 goals last year, not bad for a youngster. Jasmín Erla Ingadóttur (22), a box to box midfielder who scores on a regular basis. Should be in form after a brief loan spell in Cyprus this winter. Thelma Hjaltalín Þrastardóttir (25), a player who has suffered one horrible injury after another. Was once considered to be one of the most promising players in Iceland but after tearing her ACL on three occasions it is a miracle that she is expected to return to the field again this year.
     
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  12. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    #12 Páll Guðmundsson, May 28, 2020
    Last edited: May 28, 2020
    Þróttur Reykjavík has just signed Laura Hughes from Canberra United. Hughes, who will turn 19 this summer, earned her clubs UC Rising Star award last year and will only be playing in Iceland this summer before returning back to Australia. I have already reviewed Þróttur chances this summer, see above. I do not think this will change the fact that Þróttur will most likely be relegated to the 1. Division but she is definitely gonna add more quality to the team. Below you can see her in a interview taken last year.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=dolfDXrh6b0&feature=emb_logo
     
  13. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Þór/KA
    Founded: 1999
    Champions: 2012 and 2017
    Last year result: 4th place
    Coach: Andri Hjörvar Albertsson

    My prediction: 6th place

    About the team: Akureyri, sometimes referred to as the capital of the north, is the largest town in Iceland outside of the capital area with around 19.000 residents. The town is known for its love of sports. It is for example the only town in Iceland outside of Reykjavík to have an ice hockey team. The largest sports clubs in Akureyri are KA (Knattspyrnufélag Akureyrar) and Þór. In 1999 the two clubs decided to merge their women's football teams into one. This proved successful and in 2012 they won their first title. Since then Akureyri has been a force to be reckoned with in the Icelandic women's league. This year things are probably gonna be a little different. Many of the key players who won the title for Akureyri in 2017 are now gone. Players like Sandra Stephany Mayor, Bianca Sierra, Sandra María Jessen and Anna Rakel Pétursdóttir are all now playing professionally elsewhere. Akureyri therefore have had to rely on young players from their youth academy's. Thankfully for them there is plenty of talent in the north. Nonetheless, a team can only handle so much hemorrhage and it is doubtful that Akureyri can make it to the top half of the league this year.

    Best player: Arna Sif Ásgrímsdóttir, a tall and powerful central defender. A true leader of the team and a monster inside the penalty box. You have a corner kick? Forget about it, Arna reigns supreme. With 12 caps and one goal for the national team this 28 year old has been one of the most reliably defenders in the Icelandic league. Had a brief stint with Verona in Italy but cut it short when the team did not honor its contract with the player.

    Other players to whatch: Karen María Sigurgeirsdóttir (19) is the most promising prospect to come out of Akureyri in the last five years or so. Quick with good technique and a good shot Karen can proof a handful for any defender in any league. Plays as a striker or as a winger. Hulda Ósk Jónsdóttir (23), a winger who can outrun most players in the Icelandic league and can score goals on a occasion. Tall and physically strong. Lára Einarsdóttir, though only 25 years old is one of the most experienced players in the team. Though as nails, Lára is good at intercepting passes and turn a defensive play into a offensive one.
     
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  14. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    KR Reykjavík
    Founded: 1899
    Icelandic champions: 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2003
    Last years result: 7th place
    Coach: Jóhannes Karl Sigursteinsson

    My prediction: 5th place

    About the team: KR Reykjavík is the oldest football team in Iceland, founded in 1899. It is also one of the most successful teams in the history of women's football in Iceland. KR won its last title in 2003 but since 2008 has seen a steady decline. This has probably most to do with management as KR has wanted to use their resources to fund the men's football team and their men's basketball team, but both teams have been very successful in recent years. This year, KR has decided to pour money into the women's team in hope of returning to former glory. It's probably gonna take time for the team to gel together but the talent is obvious to anyone in Iceland. A good blend of young and old players with many international caps in their resume. This year is gonna be interesting for "west town" of Reykjavík.

    Best player: Katrín Ásbjörnsdóttir (27), a player who grew up in "west town" and was considered at the time one the most promising player to ever come through the youth academy. Tall, fast and with great skills, she plays as a attacking midfielder but can also be utilized as a striker. Katrín has 19 caps for Iceland and one goal. She has played 136 games in the Icelandic top league and scored 61 goals. Katrín moved from KR to Þór/KA in 2012 and became an Icelandic champion that year. She also won the title with Stjarnan in 2016. Her best year though was probably in 2017 when she scored 7 goals in the UEFA Women's Champions League finishing 3rd, only behind Ada Hegerberg and Pernilla Harder, as that years top goalscorer. Katrín did not play last year due to pregnancy but many are looking forward to see her again in the black and white stripes.

    Other players to watch: Katrín Ómarsdóttir (33). Once a regular in the Icelandic national team (69 caps and 10 goals). At a relatively young age Katrín left Iceland to become a professional player in Europe where she for example played for Liverpool and Doncaster Rovers. A natural talent if there ever was one, but sometimes seems to lack the drive to push herself further which has frustrated some of her coaches from what I have gathered. Þórdís Hrönn Sigfúsdóttir (27), the fastest player in the team, she plays on the flanks and earned her first caps for Iceland last year. Joined KR from Þór/KA. Lára Kristín Pedersen (26), a holding midfielder, one of best in the country and maybe the player KR needed to tie their midfield together. Also joined KR from Þór/KA. Ana Victoria Cate (29), an american born Nicaraguan international. Plays as a midfielder or right back. A quick player who loves to run forward and score occasional goals but sometimes leaves her defense a little bit exposed while doing so. Probably no one in better physical form as she also works as a physical trainer for KR.
     
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  15. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Fylkir
    Founded: 1967
    Best result: 5th place 2009, 2010 and 2014
    Last years result: 6th place
    Coach: Kjartan Stefánsson

    My prediction: 4th place

    About the team: From the Reykjavík suburb of Árbær, Fylkir has been in and out of the Úrvalsdeild in the last 15 years or so. Last year they finished 6th which at the time was thought to be a decent result considering that they earned their promotion only a year earlier. Despite losing arguably their best player from last year, Fylkir has acquired a lot of young talent this year, most of whom are currently playing with the under-19 national team. In the preseason they have surprised a lot of people with interesting results (f.ex. beating the champions from last year) and seem to have found something very special. A combination of youth, talent and team spirit. The only problem is that they haven't yet found their goalscorer. Very much looking forward to see how they will fare this summer.

    Best Player: Cecilía Rán Rúnarsdóttir (16). Remember this name, she could possibly be the world's most promising goalkeeper. Big words, I know. At 6 ft and 2 in (188 cm), this 16 year old (she will turn 17 in july) has already earned her first cap for Iceland and was huge factor in how well Fylkir did last year. With a better defense in front of her, it's gonna be a difficult task scoring against Fylkir this year.

    Other players to watch: As mentioned above, Fylkir has acquired a lot of young talent. Among them are the twin sisters Katla María Þórðardóttir (19) and Íris Una Þórðardóttir, who both play in the defense, Eva Rut Ásþórsdóttir (19), one of the most promising midfielders in Iceland who can play box to box and is also an excellent passer with good vision, and Stefanía Ragnarsdóttir (20) a promising striker. Already in the roster they have Berglind Rós Ágústsdóttir (25) who can both play in the midfield and as a central defender, probably the most important player of the team, and Bryndís Arna Níelsdóttir (17), an attacking midfielder who has a lot of goals in her, another name to remember.
     
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  16. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    #16 Páll Guðmundsson, Jun 5, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
    Selfoss
    Founded: 1936
    Best result: 3rd place 2015 and 2019
    Last years result: 3rd place
    Coach: Alfreð Elías Jóhannsson

    My prediction: 3rd place

    About the team: Selfoss is the largest town in the south of Iceland with around 7.000 residents. It's located in the agricultural heartland of Iceland and is famous for its dairy products. The town has also produced many fine athletes throughout the years. Selfoss seemed to be on its way to become a powerhouse in Icelandic women's football five years ago, but after losing a few key players, the team was relegated in 2016. After only a year in the 1. division Selfoss began to rebuild their team and were the dark horse last year finishing 3rd. They also won the cup for the first time. With arguably the best coach in the league, Selfoss is now looking for their first title and have acquired some of the biggest talents in Icelandic football in order to do so. Could this be the year that the south will win its first title?

    Best player: Without a doubt, the biggest news this year in Icelandic women's football, was the decision of Dagný Brynjarsdóttir (29) to leave the Portland Thorns and join Selfoss. Dagný is the unicorn of Icelandic football. Standing at 5 ft and 11 in (180 cm) she is fast, tall, strong with a good header and always seems to be in the right place at the right time (at least when she plays for the Icelandic national team. Having earned 88 caps for Iceland and scoring 26 goals there are only two other players who have scored more goals than her in the blue jersey. The success of Selfoss depends a lot on what form Dagný is in.

    Other players to watch: Anna Björk Kristjánsdóttir (31), joined Selfoss from PSV Eindhoven. Tall and strong central midfielder who is gonna add a lot of experience to the defense. Has 43 caps for Iceland. Barbára Sól Gísladóttir (19), plays as a winger or right back but can also play in the midfield. A future regular for the Icelandic national team, fast and strong, Barbára can in fact out muscle just about anyone. She also scores goals. Hólmfríður Magnúsdóttir (36), one of the best players to ever play for Iceland. Hólmfríður has 112 caps for Iceland and 37 goals. Only Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir has scored more goals than Hólmfríður. "Fríða" started her career with KR before moving to Sweden where she played for Kristianstad. She also had a brief spell in the US, playing for Philadelphia Independence from 2010 to 2011. Last year her goal against KR awarded Selfoss their first cup. Clara Sigurðardóttir (18), came from ÍBV prior to the season, this diminutive player was thought to be the most promising player in Iceland two years ago and has a lot to proof.
     
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  17. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Well, now you have your answer ;)
     
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  18. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    #18 Páll Guðmundsson, Jun 5, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
    Breiðablik
    Founded: 1950
    Champions: 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2015 and 2018
    Last years result: 2nd place
    Coach: Þorsteinn H. Halldórsson

    My prediction: 2nd place

    About the team: The most successful team in women's football in Iceland, many are expecting them to claim the title this year and not without a reason. The team is stacked with talent. Hailing from the municipality of Kópavogur which is part of the greater Reykjavík city area, Breiðablik women's team has proved to be much more successful that their men's team. Breiðablik dominated the league in the early 80's and the early 90's. Ásta B. Gunnlaugsdóttir (26 caps and 8 goals), Ásthildur Helgadóttir (69 caps, 21 goal), Þóra B. Helgadóttir (108 caps, 1 goal and sister of Ásthildur) and Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir (131 caps, 20 goals) are just few of the many internationals who have played for Breiðbalik. Last year the team finished 2nd without losing a single match. Three draws meant that only two points was the difference between them and the current titleholders. Breiðblik did also well in the Champions league last year, reaching the round of 16 where it was outclassed by Paris St. Germain. This year, Breiðablik has added a few good players to an already stacked team.

    Best player: Berglind Björg Þorvaldsdóttir (28), the topgoalscorer in 2019 and 2018. Berglind has been very consisted in front of the goal throughout her career (125 goals in 188 games in the Icelandic league) and has one of the best headers in the game. Berglind joined AC Milan in January and before the league was shut down in march managed to score 5 goals in 5 games. For some reason Berglind has never repeated her form on the international level, scoring only 4 goals in 44 games. Still no one in Iceland doubts her capabilities to score goals.

    Other players to watch: Agla María Albertsdóttir (21), aged only 18 years old this pacey winger started against France in the last Euros. Hasn't really lived up to her potential playing for the Icelandic national team but hopefully that will change soon. Alexandra Jóhannsdóttir (20), an attacking midfielder. Alexandra scored 11 goals in 18 games from the midfield last year and is likely to cement her place in the starting lineup of the Icelandic national team this year. Many consider her to be the successor of Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir which is kind of fitting as Sara Björk trained her at Haukar when Alexandra was a kid. Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir (19), is considered by many the most exciting talent in league, tall, extremely fast Jónsdóttir is a goalscoring machine. Just this year she scored a hat trick for the Icelandic u-19 national team in a 4-1 victory over Switzerland (in the same tournament Iceland won Italy 7-1 and Germany 2-0). Her secret weapon are her long throws, which have to be seen to be believed. Rakel Hönnudóttir (32), joined Breiðablik from Reading. A versatile player who can really play any position on the field except maybe goalkeeper. A technically gifted player she is going to add a lot of experience to the team. Has 102 caps for Iceland and 9 goals. Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir (19), tall, fast with good technique she might be the most technically gifted player in Iceland today and a future star for the Icelandic national team. Áslaug Munda Gunnlaugsdóttir (19), probably the fastest player in the entire league, Áslaug and Sveindís have caught the attention of teams such as Paris St. Germain which offered them to train with the team in January. Plays as a Left back or a Winger. She will own the former position for the Icelandic national team in the years to come. Honorable mentions: Andrea Rán Hauksdóttir (24), Hildur Antonsdóttir (25), Selma Sól Magnúsdóttir (22) and Heiðdís Lillýjardóttir (24).
     
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  19. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Valur
    Founded: 1911
    Champions: 1978, 1986, 1988, 1989, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2019
    Last years Result: 1st place
    Coach: Pétur Pétursson

    My prediction: 1st place

    About the team: One of the most successful teams in Iceland both in the men's and women's league. Many consider the team that won the title for five consecutive years, from 2006 till 2010 to be the best team in the history of the league. Leading that team was Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir who scored 207 goals in 143 games for both Valur and ÍBV. At the age of 22 Margrét left the league for Sweden but returned again in 2016. Sadly she sustained a severe injury in 2017 and would not play again until 2019 when Valur won its first title since 2010. At the end of the season Margrét decided to retire. Both Valur and Breiðablik dominated the league last year and two draws between the teams meant that Valur won the title as Breiðblik had made one more draw whereas Valur won its remaining matches. The loss of Margrét was a major blow to the team as it was quite unexpected. Nonetheless, the same core of players are still there plus a few young players that have been added to the team. Valur has stumbled in the preseason which has led many to believe that they will not be able to defend their title. But as the famous NBA coach Rudy Tomjanovich once said. Don't underestimate a heart of a champion. Valur has a lot experience and seem to have regained some of its form from last year based on its latest fixtures. It is therefor no reason to expect that they cannot win it again this season.

    Best player: Elín Metta Jensen (25), the player of year last season, she is in the form of her life. Not only was she joint top goalscorer last year but she also provided most assists and created most chances. The year of 2019 was also her best year on the international level as she scored 6 goals in 10 games and is the leading goalscorer in group F in the UEFA Women's Euro 2021 qualifying tournament (she has 49 caps and 14 goals for the national team). Her career has seen some ups and downs. In 2012 she became one of the youngest player to ever win the golden boot in the Icelandic league at the age of 17 and from 2012 till 2013 she managed to score 35 goals in 35 games. Like the rest of the team her performance dropped a little bit in the next few years, for several reasons, but know she is better than ever. If Valur is going to win the title again this year, they'll have to see Jensen in her best form.

    Other players to watch: Hlín Eiríksdóttir (20). If Jensen was the best player last year, then Hlín was a close second. Scoring 16 goals in 18 games from the position of a winger she had an impressive season. One of the fastest players in the league, she is also capable of scoring headers as she is quite tall and strong in the air. She also scored two goals for the Icelandic national team in 6 games. Fanndís Friðriksdóttir (30), one of the most experienced players in the national team with 109 caps and 17 goals, she is only one of four Icelandic player to score in a finals tournament (the other being Hólmfríður Magnúsdóttir, Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir and Dagný Brynjarsdóttir). She has great pace and also a sweet right foot with which she has scored many great goals. Ásgerður "Adda" Baldursdóttir (33), the enforcer on the midfield. If the players in the attack lose the ball she will make sure to clean up the mess. Maybe not the most technically gifted player in the team but surely one of the most important. Dóra María Lárusdóttir (34), one of the most creative players to ever have played for Iceland, you can always rely on Dóra in the midfield to find the right passes. With 114 caps and 18 goals for the national team Dóra is the most experienced player in the team. Hallbera Gísladóttir (34), has owned the left back position in the Icelandic national team for the last 10 years or so. She has 112 caps for Iceland and 3 goals. The best left foot in the league and a relentless runner up and down the wing, at the age of 34 she is showing no signs of slowing down. Ída Marín Hermannsdóttir (18), the daughter of Hermann Hreiðarsson who played for many years in the Premier League, this tall and pacey box to box midfielder is one of the most promising players in Iceland. Scored 7 goals last year for Fylkir and was arguably their best player last season. Sandra Sigurðardóttir (34), tall and experienced goalkeeper who has now cemented her position as the number one goalkeeper in the national team.
     
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  20. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Tomorrow Valur will be playing Selfoss in the Super Cup. Champions against Cup winners. The game will be shown on channel 2 sport in Iceland. Hopefully I can provide you with a link.
     
    blissett repped this.
  21. blissett

    blissett Member+

    Aug 20, 2011
    Italy
    Club:
    --other--
    Nat'l Team:
    --other--
    By the way: what's currently the Covid-19 situation in Iceland?
     
  22. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Only two people infected now. Bars and restaurants are open. So are swimming pools. The Season will start on the 12th of June. Up to 500 people are allowed in the audience. Hoping for the best.
     
    JanBalk and blissett repped this.
  23. blissett

    blissett Member+

    Aug 20, 2011
    Italy
    Club:
    --other--
    Nat'l Team:
    --other--
    Well, for sure Iceland have a quite natural condition of literal "isolation" from other countries: are there any active limitations to international travels, at the moment? If yes, for how long are they supposed to last?
     
  24. cpthomas

    cpthomas BigSoccer Supporter

    Portland Thorns
    United States
    Jan 10, 2008
    Portland, Oregon
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    When she played for the Thorns last year, I thought she was in pretty good form considering she had recently given birth. She is very tough.

    I would have loved her to have stayed in Portland, but I have great respect for her decision to return home where family is.
     
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  25. Páll Guðmundsson

    Valur FC
    Iceland
    Sep 14, 2018
    Reykjavík
    Nat'l Team:
    Iceland
    Supercup 2020: Valur - Selfoss

    Starting Lineups
    Valur: Sandra Sigurðardóttir (goalkeeper), Elísa Viðarsdóttir (defender), Guðný Árnadóttir (defender), Lillý Rut Hlynsdóttir (defender), Hallbera Gísladóttir (defender), Málfríður Anna Eiríksdóttir (midfielder), Hlín Eiríksdóttir (midfielder), Ásgerður Stefanía Baldursdóttir (midfielder), Ásdís Karen Halldórsdóttir (midfielder), Fanndís Friðriksdóttir (forward), Elín Metta Jensen (forward)

    Selfoss: Kaylan Jenna Marckese (goalkeeper), Anna María Friðgeirsdóttir (defender), Áslaug Dóra Sigurbjörnsdóttir (defender), Anna Björk Kristjánsdóttir (defender), Bergrós Ásgeirsdóttir (defender), Clara Sigurðardóttir (midfielder), Barbára Sól Gísladóttir (midfielder), Karitas Tómasdóttir (midfielder), Dagný Brynjarsdóttir (midfielder), Hólmfríður Magnúsdóttir (forward), Tiffany Janea McCarty (forward)
     
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