Video Pick: Explaining the Rise of Iceland

Sixteen years ago, Iceland, a nation of 325,000, came up with a master player development plan. This 12-minute VICE Sports documentary, hosted by Roger Bennett  of Men In Blazers, traces the rise of Iceland, which reached the Euro 2016 semifinals with a 2-1 win over England on Monday.

3 comments about "Video Pick: Explaining the Rise of Iceland".
  1. Fire Paul Gardner Now, June 28, 2016 at 12:52 p.m.

    This is a nice story but a few fluke results don't mean we should all follow Iceland's lead.

  2. James Froehlich, June 28, 2016 at 2:17 p.m.

    Fortunately for Iceland they didn't have to overcome pay-to-play, an outdated coaching establishment, and a medieval soccer establishment. Smallness helps when trying to create a new environment.

  3. Bob Ashpole replied, June 29, 2016 at 3:15 a.m.

    Wonderful and humorous clip. I cannot believe people actually belittle Iceland's achievement or provide such pathetic excuses and a defeatist attitude regarding US soccer. Iceland has climbed well over 100 places in the ratings and undoubtedly will continue in the near future to rank higher than the US men. Yes it is easier to solve problems if you first chop them down to size. The US has 250 cities with populations between 100k and 400K. Except for Anchorage, Alaska, none are near glaciers. "Too big" is a pathetic excuse.

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