Euros

Iceland’s win over Holland last Thursday at Amsterdam Arena was the most surprising result of the day in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Their draw with Kazakhstan Sunday was less surprising, but more important in terms of what it directly led to.

Iceland’s national team has qualified for a European Championship for the first time ever.

The island nation nearly qualified for the 2014 World Cup road but lost in the playoffs against Croatia and failed to get its ticket to Brazil.

I will admit it. The first international break of the season is usually a huge drag.  The transfer window has finally closed, clubs are finding their footing, and I have finally figured out my optimal fantasy starting XI.  At this point, I don’t want the world’s best spread out to the four corners of the world to play in meaningless games. BUT, this international break is different.