Idman.biz
The Icelandic media focused not only on the match between Azerbaijan and Iceland (0:2) in Baku during the World Cup qualifying round. The capital of our country has become a separate topic of discussion.
According to Idman.Biz, Icelandic journalists compared Baku to Manhattan, noted that they experienced a culture shock, and filmed a special prayer room for media representatives with surprise.
Icelanders reached the Caspian coast in three flights. Iceland's Sýn TV channel noted that their team arrived in Baku in the middle of the night after a long flight and several stops. They admitted in the report that fatigue quickly turned into admiration: they described the capital as "a city with incredible buildings" and wrote that the silhouette and dense construction of some districts reminded them of Manhattan.
For a country that has always lived against the background of Reykjavik's low-rise buildings and northern sincerity, the contrast in Baku really seemed like a movie: illuminated skyscrapers, glass, metal and the Caspian coast. On the day of the match, Icelandic commentators would join the live broadcast from the same seaside promenade and discuss their team's chances under the soft autumn sun.
The Fotbolti.net website devoted a separate article to the first impressions of Icelandic journalists about Azerbaijan. The author sincerely admits that this country is nothing like Iceland in terms of culture. However, he called the first days they spent in Baku "very pleasant". According to the author, the same assessment was given by both the staff and the football players of the Icelandic national team.
Opening the press conference, the guests' head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson especially emphasized how much he liked Baku and noted the beauty of the city. The Icelandic journalist described the capital as a diverse city: buildings of different styles, a combination of modernization and bright skyscrapers in one place create an unusual but attractive view for northerners.
The text also focuses on the religious background. It was noted that approximately 90 percent of the population of Azerbaijan are Shiite Muslims, but the constitution does not establish a state religion.
The main topic of discussion in the reports of journalists from Iceland was not the field, but a small room located next to the media zone.
Fotbolti.net writes that in the home arena of "Neftchi", where the match was held, there is a special prayer room for journalists to use near the press office.
The author emphasizes that the room is only a few steps away from the hall where press conferences are held. It is difficult for the Icelandic audience to imagine a separate prayer room for the media in the football arenas of Northern Europe, so this has become an almost exotic sight.
The journalist jokingly added that he would pray there for Azerbaijan's victory.
Another recurring motif in Icelandic materials was that there was less interest in the game in Baku than expected.
Visir.is portal reports that Azerbaijanis are not very interested in the game with Iceland and the stadium will be half empty.
Mbl.is wrote in its article that about 20–30 Icelandic fans came to Baku:
"Some directly, some through a transit in Istanbul. For all of them, this was an adventure on the football map to a distant point - from the cold Atlantic to the Caspian" - the publication noted.
When all these elements are combined, Baku in the Icelandic media seems not only the next stop on the qualifying stage calendar, but a vibrant city that surprises and attracts them.
Icelanders left Baku not only with three points and a chance for the 2026 World Cup play-offs, but also with the impression of a vibrant city that was much brighter than they expected and shattered stereotypes.
Icelandic publications openly write about this: they talk not only about goals, tactics and tournament calculations, but also about how Baku looks, how it feels, how it differs from Reykjavik, and about the desire to return here not only for football, but for other reasons as well.
Teymur Tushiyev
