FORMER Sky Blues midfielder Aron Gunnarsson led Iceland to the biggest upset at Euro 2016 after knocking out England thanks to a 2-1 victory to progress through to the quarter-final stage of the competition.
The 27-year-old, who scored six goals and made 120 appearances during a three-year spell at the Ricoh Arena, captained his country to a remarkable win in their last 16 clash on Monday night.
Wayne Rooney fired England ahead from the spot in the fourth minute but just two minutes later Gunnarsson got Iceland back on level terms by delivering one of his trademark throws which led to Ragnar Sigurdsson firing home an equaliser past Joe Hart.
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson scored what proved to be an 18th minute winner as Iceland held out for a memorable win with Gunnarsson leading the celebration in front of the travelling fans.
The former City midfielder played in all of Iceland’s group matches against Portugal (1-1), Hungary (1-1) and Austria (2-1), and he is expected to captain Iceland again in this Sunday’s quarter-final against France.
It proved to be a hugely successful tournament for former Sky Blues fan’s favourite Richard Keogh who suffered the heartache of going out to hosts France with a spirited Republic of Ireland squad.
Keogh, who made almost 100 appearances during a two-year spell with the Sky Blues, did not make an appearance in the opening two group matches against Sweden and Belgium, but he was selected for the all-important group decider against Italy.
The Derby defender did not put a foot wrong against the Italians at the Irish recorded one of the most historic victories in their history to progress into the last 16.
Keogh was selected ahead of John O’Shea for the knockout clash against hosts France on Sunday and looked to have played his part in what would have been one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.
Robbie Brady fired Martin O’Neill’s side into a second minute lead which they held for almost an hour before a brace from Antoine Griezmann broke Irish hearts and booked France a place in the quarter-finals.
Koegh tweeted: “Great journey. Incredible experience. Best fans in the world. Thank you to the lads, coaching staff and all at @FAIreland #COYBIG.”
Former Sky Blues Academy graduate Cyrus Christie was selected as part of the Republic of Ireland’s squad but he did not get any minutes on the pitch in France ahead of first choice right-back Seamus Coleman.
He tweeted: “Been a great few weeks with a great bunch of lads representing our country backed by the best fans in the world.”