5 countries who could pull off a surprise in World Cup 2018

#2 Iceland

Iceland has improved by leaps and bounds over the years

Iceland is the country with the smallest population to qualify for the World Cup. Despite all the challenges that the team has faced, Iceland managed to impress in Euro 2016 and they may surprise many in the upcoming World Cup too.

The team demonstrates a great deal of togetherness and resilience in their play. Even with the odds against the team, Iceland footballers have failed to believe in that glimmer of hope left and they have been confident with one another.

After taking over the reins in 2013, Heimir Hallgrímsson has won 62.75% of the games in charge of Iceland.

His preferred formation is playing 4-4-2. Having worked so many years with the national team, Heimir now knows every detail of his squad and the players have confidence in their manager.

There are concerns that Iceland's top player Gylfi Sigurdsson may be unable to play in the World Cup after suffering a knee injury.

The player remains hopeful that he can play a part in the upcoming World Cup. 77% of the midfielder's passes are made forward and he has become one of the world's best attacking midfielders.

In addition to Sigurdsson, Guðmundsson from Burnley has gradually established himself a name in Premier League and the world. Gudmundsson is efficient in taking set-pieces and the winger is defensively strong too. Lately, the 27-year-old has three assists in four Premier League matches and is in a brilliant form.

Iceland will face Argentina, Nigeria and Croatia in a tough group. It will be a challenge for the European team to find a way to advance from the group stage, but nothing is impossible. Heimir focuses on getting his team to play in a structured and organised manner.

If his players can stay in their positions and perform up to standard, they will surely be able to shock the world.