Scotland v Iceland - The History

Scotland's World Cup qualifier with Iceland at Hampden has become a critical test for George Burley's squad now that Holland are running away with Group Nine. The under pressure Scottish boss will be hoping his side can maintain a 100% record against the visitors.

The Icelanders were part of Scotland's World Cup qualifying group for the 1986 finals when the team did get to Mexico. At that time Iceland were classed among the minnows of European football and the late Jock Stein's side grabbed a key six points.

The 3-0 win in Glasgow and a single goal victory in Iceland were vital to pipping Wales for second spot on goal difference. Wales actually lost in Rejkjavik, which was an indicator that Icelandic football was on the rise. Scotland's away win was hard-earned and only secured by Jim Bett in the 86th Minute.

Scortland and Iceland played home and away again in the qualifiers for Euro 2004 and the Scots had aN easier time at the Laugardalsvollur Stadium, winning 2-0 through Chrstian Dailly and Gary Naismith.

The return proved tougher and Scotland scrambled through 2-1 after Eidur Gudjohnsen equalised Kenny Miller's early strike. Lee Wilkie came up with the second half winner and it was crucial, because Iceland ended just a single point behind Scotland in that qualifying group.

2-1 was also the final score in the group game back in September 2008 when Burley's squad were in desperate need of a result.Kirk Broadfoot netted on 18 minutes and James McFadden added a second midway through the second period. A late Gudjohnsen penalty made Scotland sweat a bit.

Apart from their first meeting Iceland have always made Scotland work hard for the victory and as a nation they have steadily improved in the past 20 years. They finished above Northern Ireland in qualifying for World Cup 2006, although the positions were reversed for Euro 2008 qualifying.

The Icelanders are always capable of some good results as their opening draw in Norway demonstrated.