So who exactly are IF Fuglafjordur?

Northern Irish outfit, Linfield FC, make their way to the Faroe Islands for the second time in two seasons. Having drawn B36 of Torshavn last year, the Blues will now face IF Fuglafjordur. While the first questions about the Faroese Premier League runners-up may be the pronunciation of their name, what do we know about IF and what can we expect from the side who will take on Linfield in the Europa League?

Where do they play?

Fuglafjordur is a village located in one of the Faroe’s east islands, known colloquially as Eysturoy. With a population just over 1,500, the village’s main source of income derives from the fishing industry. More commonly known as ‘IF’ within Fuglafjordur, the club plays its matches at Fuglafjordur Stadium. As the ground maintains a capacity of 3,000, it would nearly be possible to fit double the village’s population inside the stadium.

What is their history?

IF Fuglafjordur’s domestic success has been much more subdued when compared to Linfield’s. While they came close to securing the Faroese Premier league last season - finishing in second place behind EB Streymur -  IF have only won the their domestic league once when they claimed the title in 1979. In contrast, Linfield have secured 51 domestic league championships in Northern Ireland. Despite reaching the final of the Faroese Cup in 2005 and 2010, IF have never laid claim to their domestic cup.

What is their European record?

The Faroese runners up have only competed in Europe once before. They did not have to stray too far from home as they met KR Reykjavik in the first round of the 2011/12 Europa League. IF eventually lost 8-2 on aggregate.

Who are the dangermen?

Veteran goalkeeper, Jakup Mikkelsen, will be one of the stand-out players in the IF ranks and is no stranger to facing Northern Irish opposition. Having been capped 73 times for the Faroe Islands, Mikkelsen was in goal for both of the Faroe Islands’ Euro 2012 qualifiers against Northern Ireland, putting in a valiant display in Torshavn when the Faroes recorded a 1-1 draw. Despite being 42 years of age, Mikkelsen claimed both best Faroese goalkeeper and made Team of the Season last year. ÍF also have Brazilian forward Clayton Nascimento within their ranks, who also finished last season as top goal-scorer in the Faroese Premier League.

What is their current form?

IF are in great form at the moment as they currently occupy second spot in the league, having only lost two games this campaign. Linfield, on the other hand, have recently started pre-season with only one friendly game under their belt. IF Fuglafjordur will take on Linfield in their Europa League clash on Wednesday 3^rd July.