Four-time World's Strongest Man Magnus Ver Magnusson is convinced the "explosive power" of Iceland's footballers will sweep them past England in their Euro 2016 showdown on Monday night.
The tiny nation is famed for its Strongman tradition and Magnusson, one of the most well-known figures in his homeland after winning the title four times between 1991 and 1996, says the same values were evident in the way his side beat the odds to sink Austria and claim second place in Group F.
Magnusson told Press Association Sport: "Of course it's a David versus Goliath match but in football you must never underestimate the underdog because sometimes they will bite.
"I was never the biggest or the heaviest when I was competing but I was always up there and that kind of determination has also helped these guys get through. They have the strong spirit and explosive power they need to succeed."
Magnusson is one of two Icelandic athletes to claim the World's Strongest Man title four times, after the late Jon-Pall Sigmarsson, who regularly got the better of his famous duels with British rival Geoff Capes in the 1980s.
And Magnusson believes Iceland's relatively impressive roll-call of sporting success makes a mockery of comments by Cristiano Ronaldo, who accused Iceland of possessing a "small mentality" after celebrating their opening 1-1 draw against Portugal.
The 53-year-old took particular delight in Arnor Ingvi Traustason's injury-time winner against Austria on Wednesday which ensured Iceland would finish second in Group F ahead of Portugal.
Magnusson added: "Cristiano Ronaldo acted like a p****. When he said Iceland was never going to win anything I bet he never expected us to finish above them in the group.
"Football is as much about the team as the individual as Leicester City have already proved this season. I suspect even Ronaldo regrets making those comments in the heat of the moment.
"Iceland is going crazy at the moment. The whole nation is behind the boys and everything seems to be coming together. England will be the favourites to win but we have shown already there is no reason we have anything to fear."
Source: PA
