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Euro 2016: Iceland's joint-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson on how being a dentist is boosting players

Ragnar Sigurdsson (C, obscured) of Iceland celebrates scoring his team's first goal
Image: Iceland's fears are reduced thanks to their part-time dentist and coach

Iceland's preparation for their Euro 2016 quarter-final against France is being helped by their coach's unusual skillset.

After the euphoria on Monday and attracting global attention for dumping out England, the team's attention is now firmly fixed on a semi-final spot with the French hosts standing in the way on Sunday.

Joint-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who also has a temporary job looking after people's teeth, said: "In Icelandic football, coaches are not paid full-time.

"I am lucky I have an education in dentistry. In many ways, I think it helps doing what we do with the players. If you are a dentist, you have to treat a patient, sometimes they are scared.

"Probably it is the same with players, you have to speak to players in different ways so it helps me probably.

Lauding Leicester
Lauding Leicester

Iceland like Leicester, says joint-boss Heimir Hallgrimsson

"I don't think that I am less a coach because I am a dentist, it's just a profession like all other professions, I don't think education makes a person any worse."

Iceland will face a tougher challenge against a French team playing before an 80,000 crowd at the national stadium in Paris than they did against England.

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But Hallgrimsson, who shares coaching duties with Swedish manager Lars Lagerback, believes there are cracks in the opponents' squad led by manager Didier Deschamps.

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France defender Patrice Evra believes England failed to show Iceland respect

Hallgrimsson added: "We like to think so. But we're not going to tell the media what we think is their weakness.

"I think you can agree with me that we have been playing better and better throughout the competition, and I think you can agree with me that our best game is still to come.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has been giving his players a lift in many ways
Image: Heimir Hallgrimsson has been giving his players a lift in many ways

"The French have players who are playing key roles in the best teams in the world. When you are a team like Iceland, it is so necessary to be relaxed then you can show your best.

"There is a big difference in the pressure on Iceland and on France. France cannot lose the game, it would be horrible for the French nation. But the Icelandic people would be happy if we get a good performance against France.

"But we are realistic. You dream big. We can play the best game of our lives and still lose against France."

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Iceland's joint head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has likened his team to Leicester City

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