Iceland and Wales are the best part of Euro 2016

The biggest surprises of Euro 2016 should not be big surprises.

Wales features probably the best player in the whole tournament (sans Ronaldo) in Gareth Bale and Iceland was one of the best teams in qualifying. While these two factors does not always equate to wins, they are usually prerequisites to success.

Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale
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However, what sets these two teams apart is their pride. The passion the players from Wales and Iceland have for their teammates and their country is incredible.

Gareth Bale gave one of the quotes of the year when asked whether anybody on England would start on Wales. He said “none,” despite the fact England, heading into the tournament, appeared to have the better team.

That is not only the sign of a leader, but of someone who believes in his teammates. Bale plays with some of the world's best at Real Madrid, yet supports his countrymen to the upmost degree. That epitomizes what this Wales team is all about. Yes, Bale is the man. But, for his teammates and his country, Bale will do anything to get the victory.

This mentality has rubbed off on his teammates. Aaron Ramsey is playing some of his best soccer ever in his attacking midfielder role. It is a shame he will be suspended for the semifinal against Portugal.

Ashley Williams
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Up front, Bale is getting some inspired play from his striker partners: Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes. Robson-Kanu, who is currently a free agent, has scored two game-winning goals so far. Vokes, who did not play in the first two matches, has gotten some playing time and scored a lovely header to put the Belgium game out of reach.

And it is not just the attackers who are playing well. Captain Ashley Williams is leading a good five-back defense that managed to hold a potent Belgium offense to one goal.

With all that being said, there are some issues facing the Dragons. Ramsey and defender Ben Davies are suspended for the semifinal due to yellow card accumulation. Ramsey’s role will be extremely difficult to fill as he and Bale have developed some good chemistry over the tournament. Their lackluster win over Northern Ireland also gives some pause, but their effort against Belgium dispels most grievances after that victory.

These issues, however, can be overcome. Portugal is coming into the semifinal with many questions. Their attack has been poor and they have not been able to win either knockout round game in 90 (or 120 minutes). While they performed better against Poland, Portugal was extremely lucky to beat Croatia in the Round of 16. If there is any team that Wales can afford the loss of Ramsey and Davies, it is most likely Portugal.

As for Iceland, their success is a little more difficult to understand. They do not have a superstar like Bale and almost all of their players do not play on the same club team. Of the team’s 23 players, only two players play on the same team. They are also spread across 12 different countries.

However, this breakthrough was coming for years. The team was the closest it has ever been to the World Cup when it lost in the final round of qualification in 2013. Instead of sulking in defeat, the team came back stronger and qualified for Euro 2016 despite being in a group with the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Turkey, who have a combined 20 Euro appearances between them.

Iceland after the team's victory over England
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Iceland was not great in the group stage of the tournament, but thanks to a late goal by Arnór Ingvi Traustason in the final game against Austria, Iceland was able to finish second in their group.

That set them up with a match-up with England. Few people gave Iceland a chance against the Three Lions and when Wayne Rooney put England up after just four minutes, soccer fans all across the world thought the game was over.

It was far from it.

Iceland equalized two minutes later when Ragnar Sigurdsson scored off a throw-in and then took the lead just 14 minutes later after some exquisite passing led to Kolbeinn Sigthorsson beating Joe Hart.

While Iceland could have parked the bus and played it safe, they continued to play their game. England could do nothing against the Iceland defense and had few actual scoring chances.

Now Iceland has a chance to cement itself in the history books with its match Sunday against France.

The tournament hosts, besides the heroics of Dimtri Payet and Antione Grizemann, have been underwhelming. They are more than vulnerable and Iceland may be the team to take them down.

Iceland and Wales have been the most interesting teams of the tournament. If all goes their way, it might set up the most unlikely Euro final of all-time.