Iceland, which has a population of just over 300,000 - similar to that of Reading - are two steps away from becoming the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup. Coach Lars Lagerback, who helped the national side finish runners-up in Group E, previously steered Sweden to five successive major tournaments between 2000 and 2009.

However, he believes a play-off victory for Iceland over Croatia would be a greater achievement.

"If we succeed now, when nobody has given us a chance - you heard the play-off draw, everyone wanted us - if we do it, it would mean a little more than qualifying with Sweden," he said.