Atlantica - 01.05.2002, Side 66

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Who will win this year’s
World Cup?
Hard to say. Argentina,
Brazil and France are very
likely to win. But you never
know. I’m rooting for
Germany because we play
them in Euro 2004.
Will visitors to Iceland be
able to see the World Cup
matches?
Iceland is one of the few
countries in the world that
will broadcast all the games
on TV. So tourists visiting
Iceland needn’t panic. It’s a
great place to be during the
tournament.
Why do so many fans
across the world love foot-
ball?
Football is the most simple
game in the world, but we
all make it so difficult.
That’s why we love it so
much.
Aside from eating, drinking
and sleeping football,
what else do you do for
enjoyment?
I’m all ears. Is there life
without football?
If you could build your team
around any footballer in the
world, who would that play-
er be?
Maradona
Okay, so you’re trying to
convince Maradona to
renounce his citizenship
and become Icelandic. You
have him here for 24 hours.
Where do you take him?
We’d go salmon fishing on
one of Iceland’s beautiful
rivers.
What three gifts would
make perfect souvenirs from
Iceland?
The national jersey of the
Icelandic football team,
smoked salmon and a piece
of lava rock from
Vestmannaeyjar, the
Westman Islands.
You’ve just come back from
a long road trip. Other than
your home and the
office, where’s the first place
you go to reacquaint your-
self with Iceland?
Bæjarins bestu, by the
Reykjavík harbour. It’s the
best hot-dog stand in town.
What’s your favourite foot-
ball city?
Reykjavík...that is when
Iceland is playing in the
World Cup and Euro 2004. Of
course, if we qualify for Euro
2004, I’d also have to say
Porto, Portugal.
Looking ahead to Euro 2004,
Iceland’s grouped against
Germany, Scotland,
Lithuania and the Faroe
Islands. Can Iceland qualify?
Yes we can. It’s like buying a
lottery ticket. If you are lucky
and positive, you always
have a chance.
It’s past midnight and you
can’t sleep. What are you
dreaming about?
Iceland playing in Portugal
in the summer of 2004.
Edward Weinman is a staff writer.
64 A T L A N T I C A
The Atlantica
INQUISITION
PHOTO PÁLL STEFÁNSSON
Although Icelandic coaches and footballers will be watching this year’s World Cup on the television just
like us fans, the national team is poised to make a serious run at the 2004 European championships to be
held in Portugal. Iceland’s manager, Atli Edvaldsson, steps off the practice pitch to field questions from
Edward Weinman.
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