Onesta blames preparations

The European Champions were soundly beaten 32-24 as Alfred Gislason’s side joined France in the main round as Group B runners-up.

“When you have one team who prepares for war, while the other gets ready for their holidays in the countryside, this is what happens,” said France coach Claude Onesta.

“I don't really know what to say,” said left-back Nikola Karabatic. “We had everything against us. Not just the Icelanders, but also the crowd.

"From the off, we went 5-0 down and from then on we had to chase the game. We didn't succeed in organising ourselves. Nevertheless, we have progressed into the second round, but we've already used our ‘joker' in that match.

The defeat means France take no points through to the main round, where they face Group C winners Poland in their opening match in Dortmund on Wednesday.

“I hope that what the Icelanders put us through tonight, we can subject our future opponents to,” Onesta added.

Iceland coach Gislasson predicted the win would shake up France and get rid of any complacency in the latter stages of the tournament.

“Despite the result tonight, for me France are still big favourites to get through to the final of the World Cup," he said. "That said, I pity France's next opponents, they're in big danger!”