PHOTOS: The Icelandic saga at Euros

Iceland's fairytale progress to the last eight of the European Championship is a model for smaller nations to realise their dreams.

The smallest country ever to compete at the Euros surprised soccer fans around the world after comfortably knocking out England, the overwhelming favourites in the last 16 match with a 2-1 victory to set up a dream tie with hosts France.

Before the victory over England, Iceland drew with Cristiano Ronald's Portugal and Hungary and beat Austria in the group stage.

In each of their matches the final whistle produced extraordinary scenes as the entire Iceland squad and coaches sprinted to the corner of the pitch to celebrate ecstatically with their fans.

- Euro 2016 Coverage

Check out some amazing pictures of Iceland's magical run:

IMAGE: Iceland's Aron Gunnarsson celebrates winning the Euro 2016 round of 16 match against England. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters

IMAGE: Iceland's fan celebrate in the stands after winning the Euro 2016 round of 16 match against England. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

IMAGE: Iceland's players celebrate after Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored the second goal against Austria. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

IMAGE: Iceland's Ragnar Sigurdsson, centre, attempts an overhead kick against England. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

IMAGE: Iceland's players acknowledge the crowd after winning their game against England. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters

IMAGE: Iceland's Kolbeinn Sigthorsson celebrates with a fan after winning the game against England. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters

IMAGE: Ari Skulason celebrates with a young fan after the match against Austria. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

IMAGE: An Iceland fan in the stands before the match against Austria. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

IMAGE: Iceland's Arnor Ingvi Traustason, left, scores a goal past Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

IMAGE: The Iceland team pose for a photograph before their match against England. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

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