NICE, France — After voting to leave the European Union last week, the English left the soccer European Championship in similarly surprising fashion Monday in what will go down as their most embarrassing loss in a generation.
Iceland, whose population of 330,000 makes it the smallest nation ever to compete at the tournament, pulled off one of the biggest shocks in European Championship history by beating England 2-1 in the Round of 16.
“This is probably going to be a day that we will talk about for the rest of our lives,” said Iceland joint-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who is a practicing dentist but taking time off for the tournament.
Iceland’s players danced and sang in front of their joyous fans after earning the biggest victory in their small nation’s history. Next up is an even bigger challenge – host nation France on Sunday – but nothing may top beating England, a team Iceland always used to support in major tournaments.
As for England, the defeat meant more humiliation on the big stage and surely another inquest into why a team of supposedly talented players failed again.
England Coach Roy Hodgson immediately resigned after overseeing yet another humiliating campaign in a major tournament.
“Now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young, hungry and extremely talented group of players,” Hodgson said. “They have been fantastic.”
ITALY 2, SPAIN 0: Spain’s era of dominance came to an end when Italy beat the two-time defending champion in the Round of 16 at Saint-Denis, France.
Italy deserved its victory and was impressive from the start, stifling Spain’s attacking intent and creating several opportunities with its slick interplay.
The victory meant Italy avoided a third consecutive elimination at the European Championship to Spain, and secured a quarterfinal against another old foe, Germany. That side of the draw also includes France and Iceland.
“It was definitely a great performance,” Italy Coach Antonio Conte said. “They did something fantastic tonight. They are great men and wonderful footballers.”
“We have to accept the loss and move forward. It wasn’t meant to be,” Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque said.
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