World Cup: Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson quits after seven years

Heimir Hallgrimsson has stepped down from his role as Iceland coach after seven years with the team, in the wake of their historic World Cup finals appearance last month.

The 51-year-old was named assistant to Lars Lagerback in 2011 and became joint-manager in 2014, helping Iceland beat England at Euro 2016.

He then became sole manager, leading Iceland to their first World Cup, where they went out in the group stage despite a draw with Argentina.

The Icelandic Football Association tweeted the announcement on Tuesday.

After a modest playing career, Hallgrimsson became a dentist and continued to work part-time while coaching the national team.

He and Lagerback masterminded Iceland’s success, leading them into their first major tournament in 2016, before Hallgrimsson steered them to World Cup qualification for the first time.