An Island in the North Atlantic: This Nation Could SOMEHOW Make The World Cup
Blogs

An Island in the North Atlantic: This Nation Could SOMEHOW Make The World Cup

An Island in the North Atlantic: This Nation Could SOMEHOW Make The World Cup

A nation that nobody remotely associated with competing in their World Cup qualifying group now has a genuine chance, albeit a slim chance, to qualify for the competition next summer. Ranked 136th in the world, their three straight wins in group L have deservedly seen them rise to third place after matchday seven.

Populated by just short of 55,000 people (half of Watford's inhabitants for context), they are defying all the odds stacked against them. Their most recent triumph came against Czechia, where the underdogs prevailed as 2-1 victors.

Their World Cup Qualifying Journey

Cast your mind back to March, when the Faroe Islands were gearing up to commence their qualifying campaign. The prize... a spot on the grandest stage the sport has to offer. Being placed in a group with Croatia, Czechia, Montenegro and Gibraltar, it felt like a top 2 finish was an ominous proposition for the Faroese after the draw was completed.

Czechia would be their first opponents back in March, and although coming up short in a 2-1 defeat, the Faroe Islands were more competitive than anticipated and frustrated the hosts for large parts with their 5-4-1 formation proving difficult to break down.

It was then time for a trip to Montenegro, where they would lose again. The game appeared to be heading to a goalless draw before Montenegro stole it in the 96th minute, and deservingly so, although it was harsh on the Nordic opposition.

They would then lose in a friendly to Georgia, making it four losses on the bounce. Feeling depleted, they headed into their game against the worst-ranked team in the group, Gibraltar. It was a must-win at this stage, and the Faroese did just that. The experienced Arni Frederiksberg started the comeback before striker Patrik Johannesen grabbed the winner off the bench.

Another resilient effort was in vain against former World Cup finalists Croatia, who won 1-0 in the first of September's international fixtures thanks to Andrej Kramaric's first-half strike. Three days later they would keep their qualification hopes alive with a second win over the bottom of the group Gibraltar.

Returning to action in October, they really put themselves in the best possible position heading into the final game against Croatia. They dismantled Montenegro in a 4-0 rout. The main man, Sorensen, was at the double in this one, in a game that showed how clinical the Nordic Islanders can be in front of goal, having just six shots on target.

It was Hanus Sorensen at it again in their next qualifier, opening the scoring in Torshavn with a well-placed finish into the corner from the edge of the penalty area. Czechia would respond in the 78th minute through Adam Karabec, only for the hosts to regain the lead three minutes later through substitute Martin Agnarsson.

Despite Czechia ranking 97 places higher than their opponent, they were unable to justify their superiority. The Faroese produced once again another display of real determination, leaving everything on the pitch and making their country proud.

The Mastermind Behind The Faroese Success

Former U21 manager, Eyoun Klakstein, was tasked with taking charge of the senior national team at the beginning of the year. Klakstein had been working towards the position for the last few years, having first been involved with the U17s in 2021.

It was one of the graduates from the youth setup who was the hero against Czechia last Sunday night. Martin Agnarrson was on the scoresheet as the wing-back came off the bench and scored within a minute of his introduction.

With five wins in their last six matches, it's only right that the manager deserves praise for getting his side to be one game away from potential history. The robust five-at-the-back system has proved a difficult proposition for teams to break through.

The manager has given more licence to the two number 10s to get forward when they can. Freideriksberg and Sorensen were used against Czechia as an outlet from defence, when they do inevitably get pinned back towards their own box.

The way they defend as a unit is critical to their recent success. The experience in their backline shows with 35-year-old Odmar Faero, the most senior figure in the team. Faero and Captain Viljormur Davidsen's leadership is another vital component that has significant influence on the rest of the players.

Despite the absence of first-choice keeper Mattias Lamhauge, it provided little significance to the final result. It was an assured performance between the sticks by second-choice goalkeeper Bárður á Reynatrøð.

Standout Performers

The star man of the Faroe Islands campaign has to be top scorer Hanus Sorensen. He has scored three goals in their qualifying matches thus far. His energy down the left flank has been tireless, and he has shown quality with his guile in front of goal.

Odmar Faero has been a colossus in defence for the Faroese. The former Forfar Athletic defender was named player of the match against Czechia in a commanding performance at the back for his country. Faero confirmed after the victory that he would return to his office job just twelve hours later.

Following a player-of-the-match performance in their last game against Montenegro, Arni Frederiksberg was superb once more in the right forward position. Spending nearly a decade with his boyhood club NSI Runavik, the winger has been capped 19 times. He was selling frozen pizzas whilst playing semi-pro just a few seasons ago. DAZN

Grimsby midfielder Geza David Turi also started the game. Having signed for the Mariners in January, he made his debut in March against Notts County. The Hungarian-born Turi was eligible to represent the Faroe Islands after attaining his Faroese passport earlier in the year.

Is History About To Be Made?

The ultimate task awaits the Faroese. They will travel to Croatia knowing that they are reliant on Czechia not getting a win against pointless Gibraltar. If Czechia were to lose and the Faroe Islands draw, they would have to better Czechia's goals scored by three to overtake them in the table, with the sides currently level on goal difference.

If Czechia were defeated by Gibraltar, a Faroe Islands win would ensure their play-off place, as they'd finish second in the group, behind their opponents Croatia. Yes, it's an unlikely outcome, given the fact that Gibraltar have lost their last eight games, but this is football, where nothing is straightforward. The Faroe Islands will believe they can beat Croatia on home soil, in their against-all-odds bid for World Cup inclusion.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Theo Nicholson

Writer

Videos
See more
Argentina's Massive Talent Pool | Off The Bar Podcast Episode 4 ft. Nacho Z
Seb & Colin Welcomes their first guest ‪@soynachoz‬ where they chat all things South American Football | Off the Bar Podcast Episod
Gyokeres Already a Failure? | Off The Bar Podcast Episode 3
Is Gyokeres already a flop? 🤔 VAR in the Championship & the West Ham Situation | Off The Bar with Colin & Seb Episode 3
Olise to win the next Ballon D'or | Off The Bar Podcast Episode 2
Did Dembele Deserve the Ballon D'or? 🏆 Olise the next winner? & players mental health! | Off The Bar with Colin & Seb Episode 2
Latest In News
See more
United Win at Anfield For First Time In 10 Seasons, Villa Comeback at Tottenham: Super Sunday Review

United Win at Anfield For First Time In 10 Seasons, Villa Comeback at Tottenham: Super Sunday Review

Premier League News

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: Player Ratings and Match Report As Harry Maguire Wins It Late

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: Player Ratings and Match Report As Harry Maguire Wins It Late

Match Report

Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa: Player Ratings and Match Report As Rogers Stars

Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa: Player Ratings and Match Report As Rogers Stars

Match Report

Join our newsletter

Become a part of our community and never miss an update from Football Park.