Scoutmania

AVIS völlurinn, Reykjavík, Iceland. KR met HK in the last round of the Besta deild karla (highest tier in Iceland) Relegation Group, back in October 2024. The clash ended with a massive win for the home team KR Reykjavík (7-0).

While KR Reykjavík was in comfortable position before this game, HK Kópavogur had to face a tough challenge: they had to collect more points than Vestri (who played at home, against the already relegated Fylkir) in the last round, to stay surely in the Besta deild karla for the season 2025.

KR Reykjavík, coached by Óskar Hrafn Þorvaldsson, started its last game of the previous year in 4-4-2 (double 6) formation. Despite of it was not vital that they win, the players put the focus on to give a good result to the supporters, by performing a confident, fluid and spectacular play. They started the encounter with a heavy pressing game, with the intention to confuse the opposing defenders already in the initial phase of their build-up play.

(KR players on heavy pressing in the early minutes of play – with presenting great tactical awareness)

KR’s special abilities were, that they could keep the possession as well as to dominate the play for long periods. In terms of individual performances, is essential to highlight Benoný Breki Andrésson and Aron Sigurðarson. It was delighting to see the whole team’s ‘pressure free’ and well-controlled play during the entire game.

HK Kópavogur, led by its coach Ómar Ingi Guðmundsson, started this important clash in 4-2-3-1 shape. Although they were in difficult situation before the game, the players tried to keep their concentration, in addition to be in mood, throughout the full ninety minutes of play. At the offense, their right chain was slightly more lively and they also had some promising opportunities by set pieces.

(HK player Arnþór Ari Atlason, with his right-footed cross attempt)

After a red card in the middle of the first half, there were a transitional period for them, where their shape was formed to a 3-2-3-1 reminiscent one – until a tactical change was made. HK’s play was likeable to watch from that point of view they fought with honor until the final whistle.

(HK playing a 3-2-3-1 formation, during a short period in the first half)

In the 6th minute of the game, Jóhannes Kristinn Bjarnason scored the leading goal thanks to his fantastic ‘solo’ run, by gaining the possession after an opposing long free-kick (1-0). In the 30th minute, striker Benoný Breki Andrésson hit the opposing net from a penalty won by himself (2-0). Two minutes later, Benoný Breki tripled KR’s lead, after received a brilliant and well-timed pass from his teammate Aron Sigurðarson (3-0). In the second half, Benoný Breki scored three more times: first in the 51th minute, found the net from very close range (4-0, was assisted by Sigurðarson again); in the 67th minute, converted an excellent through pass of Jóhannes Kristinn Bjarnason to a goal (5-0) and in the 90th minute, young substitution player Alexander Rafn Pálmason (who born 2010!) made an assist to him, by a great right-footed low cross (6-0). The final hit of the clash was scored in the extra-time, when Alex Þór Hauksson found the opposition goal by a ball bounced to him off his teammate Jón Arnar Sigurðsson (7-0).

(In the images above: the beginning and the ending of KR player Jóhannes Kristinn Bjarnason fantastic solo action – as taking the lead for his team)

It should be also mentioned, that veteran player of the home team KR, Elmar Bjarnason, played his last competitive game of his football career. Elmar made 41 appearances for Iceland’s senior national team – in addition to serving clubs like Scottish Celtic F.C., Swedish IFK Göteborg or Danish teams Randers FC and Aarhus GF. We thank him for everything he has done on the football pitch!

(Wonderful sport moments: the retiring Elmar Bjarnason is leaving the pitch; 2010 born Alexander Rafn Pálmason is preparing to replace him)

The best potential young players in my opinion:

Benoný Breki Andrésson (KR), striker born 2005.

No question, Benoný Breki was the man of the match by his five (!) goals and his outstanding performance. Represented great mobility in addition to excellent offensive awareness. Was brave in the aerial challenges/aerial duels and meant serious threats for the opposing team HK, by his superb finishing ability and the efforts from various spots. Had very good off-ball movements on both halves of the pitch; demonstrated the effective usage of both of his feet, during different elements of the play. Was able to speed up his feet well to perform powerful sprint runs – both on and off the ball. The five goals scored helped him to win the league’s top scorer award. It’s no wonder that he moved abroad after the season – he is now player of English League One (local 3rd tier) club Stockport County F.C.

Jóhannes Kristinn Bjarnason (KR), right/central midfielder born 2005.

Jóhannes Kristinn is a fairly agile player, with representing outstanding rapidity both with and without ball. Technically highly gifted one; scored a fantastic goal after a ‘solo’ run in the 6th minute and made a wonderful, right-footed acrobatic shot in the 17th minute, after a corner was taken. Demonstrated high level of confidence, bravery and initiative; presented his strong ball control and dribbling abilities too. Was also good in regaining the possession on his team’s half – it was delighting to see that he didn’t neglect his defensive tasks either. Besides his goal and his other great offensive movements, he made an assist to Benoný Breki Andrésson in the 67th minute, by a brilliant through pass.

To FOLLOW also KR right-back/centre-back Jón Arnar Sigurðsson (2007), winger Björgvin Brimi Andrésson (2008) and central midfielder Alexander Rafn Pálmason (2010); and HK left winger Dagur Örn Fjeldsted (2005) and right winger Birnir Breki Burknason (2006).

Other players (from older age groups) also can be highlighted; KR left/central midfielder Aron Sigurðarson (1993), defensive midfielder Aron Þórður Albertsson (1996) and English striker/right winger Luke Rae (2000).

If you wish to buy a match or an individual report please feel free to reach out on our social media or comment section.

If you like it please SUBSCRIBE to the blog and you will receive all future articles and match reports.