Iceland 5-0 Azerbaijan Player Ratings: Ísak Johannesson Rated 9.5/10 as Hosts Run Riot in 5-0 Thrashing

We just witnessed a complete masterclass from Iceland as they humiliated a helpless Azerbaijan side in a stunning 5-0 victory at Laugardalsvollur Stadium. This European Qualifier match for the 2026 World Cup was as one-sided as they come. From our perspective, the writing was on the wall from the early minutes. Iceland controlled the tempo, possession, and every single blade of grass as the game forward to the 90-minute mark.

Azerbaijan just couldn't get a possession of the bal. The pressure was relentless. The breakthrough felt inevitable and it came right on the stroke of half-time by the Iceland team, a crushing blow for the visitors. That goal from Iceland player Victor Palsson opened the floodgates completely. What followed in the second half was a procession.

The Icelandic players looked like they were enjoying a training session, with Ísak Jóhannesson and Albert Gudmundsson running the show. The result was a true reflection of the gulf in class on the day. An unforgettable performance for the home fans in this match.

Here are the

Iceland Player Ratings vs Azerbaijan

Here are Iceland Player Ratings vs Azerbaijan

Goalkeeper

Elías Ólafsson - 7.0: Honestly, he could have brought a book to read. He had virtually nothing to do all game. His distribution was tidy, and he claimed what little came his way with confidence. It was the easiest clean sheet he will ever keep. A spectator for large parts of the game. He did his job perfectly when called upon.

Defenders

Daníel Leó Grétarsson - 7.5: A very solid and composed display. He was tidy in possession and moved the ball forward effectively. Defensively, he was untroubled for the entire match. He supported the attack well down the left flank. A professional performance from the defender.

Victor Pálsson - 8.0: Scored the crucial opening goal with a powerful header. That goal changed the entire complexion of the game just before the break. He was a rock at the back until his unfortunate injury. Dominated his duels and led the backline well. A top performance cut short.

Sverrir Ingi Ingason - 8.0: What stood out to us was his passing. An incredible 95 accurate passes and a 100% success rate on long balls. He was a deep-lying playmaker from the back. Absolutely strolled through the game. Defensively sound and a key part of building Iceland's attacks.

Midfielders

Ísak Jóhannesson - 9.5: Simply sensational. This was his game. He ran the show from midfield, scoring two well-taken goals. His movement, vision, and finishing were on another level. Every time he got the ball, something exciting happened. A truly world-class display and our clear Man of the Match.

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson - 7.5: Provided a great assist and was a creative nuisance. He created three chances for his teammates before being substituted. His link-up play was excellent. A really positive and energetic performance. He played a huge role in his team's dominance.

Stefán Teitur Thórdarson - 7.5: The perfect foil for Jóhannesson. He was industrious, broke up play, and kept the ball moving with efficiency. He dominated the middle of the park. A quietly brilliant performance that allowed the attacking players to shine. A very impressive outing.

Mikael Egill Ellertsson - 7.0: A workhorse performance. He was full of running and drew several fouls. Picked up a late yellow card for his troubles but that shouldn't overshadow his contribution. He was tenacious and provided great energy for the team throughout the 90 minutes.

Forwards

Hákon Arnar Haraldsson - 8.5: Led the line with authority as captain. He was a constant threat with his clever movement and passing. Bagged an assist and created four chances for his teammates. A true captain's performance. He was instrumental in Iceland's fluid attacking play.

Albert Gudmundsson - 9.0: Absolutely electric. He was unplayable for the 69 minutes he was on the pitch. Scored a goal and provided a sublime assist. His dribbling caused chaos in the Azerbaijan defence. A fantastic performance from a player at the top of his game.

Andri Gudjohnsen - 7.0: He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he worked tirelessly. He occupied the defenders and created space for others to exploit. Won his duels and held the ball up well. A selfless and effective performance from the young striker.

Substitutes

Kristian Hlynsson - 8.0: What an impact. Came on and scored a fantastic free-kick goal. Looked sharp and dangerous from the moment he stepped on the pitch. A brilliant cameo.

Mikael Anderson - 6.5: Slotted in seamlessly and kept the pressure on.

Brynjólfur Willumsson - 6.5: Added fresh legs and energy to the midfield.

Daníel Gudjohnsen - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Bjarki Bjarkason - N/A: Came on for the injured Pálsson.

Manager

A. Gunnlaugsson - 8.5: His game plan was executed to perfection. His team was aggressive, organized, and ruthless. The substitutions were spot on. A flawless tactical display from the Iceland manager.

Azerbaijan Player Ratings vs Iceland

Here are Azerbaijan Player Ratings vs Iceland

Goalkeeper

Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev - 4.5: A thankless task. He conceded five goals, but it could have been more without his four saves. He was left completely exposed by his defence time and time again. From our perspective, he couldn't do much about most of the goals. A miserable night for the keeper.

Defenders

Rahman Dashdamirov - 3.0: A disastrous performance. His error led to a goal, he got a yellow card and was hooked after 55 minutes. He looked completely out of his depth against Iceland's attack. A day to forget for the defender.

Bahlul Mustafazada - 4.0: He was bullied in the air, losing six of his seven aerial duels. The defence lacked any kind of organization, and he was a big part of that. Constantly pulled out of position. He struggled to cope with the movement of Iceland's forwards.

Elvin Badalov - 4.5: Like his defensive partners, he had a torrid time. He was unable to stem the tide of Iceland attacks. Substituted just after the hour mark. He tried, but was simply overwhelmed by the quality of the opposition.

Midfielders

Elvin Cafarquliyev - 5.5: One of the few Azerbaijan players who can hold their head up. He made six clearances and won most of his duels. He showed some fight and determination in a losing cause. It was a tough night, but at least he kept trying until the end.

Sabuhi Abdullazada - 5.0: Tidy in possession with a 95% pass accuracy. However, he offered very little going forward or defensively. He was bypassed too easily in midfield. A passive performance when his team needed warriors.

Emin Mahmudov - 5.0: The captain tried to make things happen, creating two chances. But he was largely ineffective against a superior midfield. Substituted after 62 minutes, which tells its own story. He couldn't impose himself on the game at all.

Abbas Hüseynov - 4.5: A non-existent performance. He lost possession cheaply and was booked for a clumsy foul. Offered nothing in attack or defence. He was completely anonymous for most of his time on the pitch.

Ismayil Ibrahimli - 5.0: He put in a shift and won a decent number of duels. But like the rest of his team, he was fighting a losing battle. He was overrun in the midfield engine room. Looked frustrated and tired.

Forwards

Mahir Emreli - 5.0: He had a couple of half-chances from headers but couldn't convert. He was isolated for most of the game, feeding on scraps. He worked hard but received very little service. A frustrating and thankless night for the striker.

Nariman Akhundzada - 4.5: His main contribution was being caught offside twice. He was lightweight and ineffective. Posed no threat whatsoever to the Icelandic defence. A very poor showing.

Substitutes

Toral Bayramov - 5.0: Came on but couldn't change the flow of the game.

Ozan Kökçü - 5.0: Offered little after his introduction.

Calal Hüseynov - 5.0: Brought on when the game was already lost.

Ceyhun Nuriyev - 5.0: Unable to make any impact.

Qismat Aliyev - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Manager

F. Fernandes da Costa Santos - 3.0: His team was tactically outclassed from start to finish. They looked disjointed, demoralized, and devoid of ideas. The substitutions made no difference. A dreadful night for the manager and his team.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Ísak Jóhannesson