Germany vs. Iceland: Key Players for Each Team in Women's Euro 2013 Clash

Goals are guaranteed in Germany’s Women’s Euro 2013 match with Iceland. The seven-time European champions possess a wealth of ruthless forwards and are overwhelming favorites, despite stuttering to a 0-0 draw in their opening match against the Netherlands.

Iceland face the impossible task at only their second European Championships, but remain unbeaten thanks to Margaret Vidarsdottir’s late penalty against Norway.

One positive for the minnows is they currently top Group B after one game. The downside is everyone else in their group also has one point and Iceland only top the standings ahead of Norway due to alphabetical order, which unfortunately, is not used as a deciding factor in major football tournaments.

Let’s take a look at the key players ahead of this clash.

Gudbjörg Gunnarsdóttir (Iceland)

If Iceland are to pull off arguably the greatest shock in women’s football history, goalkeeper Gunnarsdóttir is going to have to produce at least five, and probably more like 30, outstanding saves.

Equally important to her side’s chances though will be her distribution. Her almighty kicks caused chaos in the Norwegian defence and it is imperative to Iceland’s hopes that she utilises any opportunity to launch the ball downfield when the German’s are inevitably stationed well inside her half. The little known Icelandic stopper has the chance to induct herself into her national hall of fame and after a string of fine stops against Norway, she’s all set for the biggest game of her life.

Iceland’s progression could hinge on goal difference, given that Germany are also expected to thump Norway, and a narrow defeat would still leave them in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Célia Okoyino da Mbabi (Germany)

How many players can say they’ve scored over 40 international goals? Well, Okoyino da Mbabi can. And, unfortunately for Iceland, she thrives on scoring against minnows. In qualifying she hit four past Kazakhstan, Spain and Switzerland and given that she’s just 25, could conceivably get close to the big 100 by the time she hangs up her boots.

She struggled to get on the ball in dangerous areas throughout Germany’s opening match and another blank here would raise question marks over whether she can produce her top form under pressure.

Having to fill German legend Birgit Prinz’s shoes is a real challenge, but if she can score the goals that catapult Germany past Iceland and towards yet another European crown, she’ll have got off to a great start.

Anja Mittag (Germany)

At 33, Germany’s current longest serving player with 92 caps might be playing her final international tournament. She rarely completes 90 minutes anymore, but her experience is going to be crucial if Iceland prove tricky opposition to breakdown.

Mittag rarely operates as an out and out striker, but still expect her to add to her 16 international goals when inevitably presented with an opportunity.

The forward currently plies her trade in Sweden, so it would be a fitting end to her international career if she could win the European Championships in familiar territory. She was an unused substitute in last year’s 6-2 final victory over England and the onus is on her to lead the next generation of Germans to glory this time around.