Words by

John Rogers

@jhnrgrs

Photo by

Art Bicnick

As Iceland’s last-gasp second goal went in against Austria in the 94th minute last night, it caused one Icelandic TV commentator, Gummi Ben, to completely lose the plot on live television. His impassioned, high-pitched account of the goal caught the attention of the international media, and the film went viral, with 1.4m views on Facebook.

But in case you were wondering exactly what was said, here’s our translation of his joyful outburst.

“It’s all open! Theodór Elmar is alone here on their side of the pitch. They are three on two! Emmi (short for Elmar)! Go into the box! Go into the box! EMMI! Ahhh… Yes… yaaaaa… yaaaaaaaaa… JAAAAA… JAAAAA… Jarghaah… we are winning this! We are through to the final 16! We are through to the final 16! We are winning Austria! The voice has gone! But that doesn´t matter! We have qualified! Arnór Ingvi Traustason scores! Iceland two Austria one! Þvílíkt og annað eins*! Þvílíkt og annað eins! What? The final whistle has been blown here, and never, ever have I felt so good! Arnór Yngvi Traustason securing our first victory! Never lost! Don’t forget… never lost! But the first victory a fact! Iceland two Austria one! Thanks for coming Austria! Thanks for coming!”

(*”Þvílíkt og annað eins” is hard to relate in meaning, but a direct translation would be: “Such things and other alike.”)

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