Iceland shock England 2-1 to reach quarterfinals

Players of Iceland celebrate after the UEFA Euro 2016 Round of 16 football match between Iceland and England at Stade de Nice in Nice, France on June 27, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

NICE, France - Iceland shocked England 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the European Championship here on Monday.

England pulled ahead only two minutes into the first half as captain Wayne Rooney fired a penalty kick into the bottom right corner after Raheem Sterling had been brought down by Iceland goalkeeper Halldorsson.

But Iceland, the smallest country in the 24-team tournament, levelled the score two minutes later. Kari Arnason nodded a huge throw-in for Ragnar Sigurdsson to slot home from close range.

England were in control of the game but Iceland made it 2-1 in the 18th minute from their only second meaningful attack. Their striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson fired home from the edge of the box and England keeper Joe Hart got his left hand to it but could not stop the ball flying into the net.

Roy Hodgson's side failed to create any good chances in the second half, managing only two shots in 45 minutes.

Iceland almost scored a third goal in the 83d minute, when captain Aron Gunnarsson raced down from the middle and had only Jack Wilshere to beat. But his shot was blocked by Hart.

Iceland will face France in the quarterfinals.