Tiny Faroe Islands took a big step toward its first World Cup on Sunday with a stunning 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Ranked 136th by FIFA, the nation with a population of less than 55,000 has put itself in contention for the playoffs for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A run of four wins from its last five qualifying matches has seen it climb to third in Group L. And victory against the second-placed Czechs means just one point separates the teams in the likely race to be runner-up to Croatia and secure a place in the playoffs.
Substitute Martin Agnarsson was the hero for host Faroe Islands, which is located halfway between Scotland and Iceland and has a land area of just 540 square miles. The team has long been a minnow of European soccer and at its lowest point was ranked 198th.
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