Iceland want Leicester type ending

Surprise Euro 2016 quarter-finalists Iceland want a fairytale ending to their run, like the one Leicester City enjoyed when they stunned the soccer world by clinching the Premier League title this season, team coaches said on Wednesday. Leicester, with no big names in the squad, finished ahead of far more illustrious English clubs in what was one of the biggest upsets in club football. Iceland, in their first major tournament, have already taken the competition by storm, advancing past the group stage and then beating England 2-1 on Monday to set up a quarterfinal clash with hosts France. “I think I would like it to end like it ended with Leicester City,” Iceland joint coach Heimir Hallgrimsson told reporters. “They played on their strengths and we are trying to play on our strengths. There is the same team spirit in both teams. We are willing to work for each other.” 

Irish fans to get medal for their behaviour

The Ireland and Northern Ireland fans will get an honorary medal from the city of Paris for their exemplary behaviour during Euro 2016, Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s office said on Wednesday. “The supporters from Ireland and Northern Ireland have distinguished themselves by their exemplary attitude, fair play and good mood,” the statement read. Both governments have been informed and an official ceremony featuring fan groups from both teams will take place in the next few days, the statement added. 

England lack mental strength: Lineker 

Former England striker Gary Lineker believes that the current national football team lacks mental strength to overcome difficult situations which could have resulted from dearth of success. England are yet to win a major trophy since 1966, when they had won the World Cup. “There’s a degree of a lack of mental strength which maybe comes from a lack of success in recent tournaments and the pressure that comes on the England team,” said Lineker.  — Agencies