By Gethin Thurlow (02/07/2025)
Above: Switzerland celebrate scoring against Norway. Photo: UEFA.
Iceland 0 – 1 Finland
Team news and context:
A Scandinavian derby to kick off the Euros, both teams were looking to do something they couldn’t manage in England – win a game. For each, it was perhaps the greatest chance at this, so with regional supremacy and records on the line, it mattered a lot more than just the three points. In terms of team news, Iceland stuck with their expected team, which meant star midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdottir started on the bench. For Finland, legendary striker Linda Sallstrom made the starting eleven.
Scorers: Kosola 0-1
Highlights:
In a frantic first half for Finland, it was Runarsdottir in the Icelandic goal who stood out and made several strong saves, particularly denying Finnish winger Kosola. When Iceland did attack, Koivisto made a brilliant sliding block in the 40th minute to keep the score at 0-0. In the second half, the highlight was easily Kosola’s wonder-strike, whipping the ball into the top corner from the left edge of the box.
Player of the match: Katriina Kosola
There could only be one. The left winger was a constant thorn in the Icelandic side in the first half, and their lack of ability to address that issue at half time ultimately cost them the game.
What next for the teams:
For Finland, it gives them a massive boost, and they will be thinking already of reaching a first quarter final since 2009. Iceland however will rue the chance to win a game, and instead look to the final two games against Norway and Switzerland knowing at least four points will be required to see them through the group stages.
Switzerland 1 – 2 Norway
Team news and context:
Hosts Switzerland knew they had an uphill challenge awaiting them, having been beaten twice by Norway in the Nations League this year. New Chelsea and Man City signings Silvia Peng and Iman Beney made a young looking Swiss starting team. For Norway, it was a predictable lineup, featuring that brutal front four of Reiten, Maanum, Graham Hansen and Hegerberg.
Scorers: Riesen 1-0, Hegerberg 1-1, Stierli own goal 1-2
Highlights:
Switzerland’s attitude right from the off. Taking the crowd’s support and expectations in their stride and playing aggressively from the first minute, committing bodies forward. They were eventually rewarded with a goal, even if it was a bit scrappy. Whatever Gemma Grainger said at half time clearly worked, as Norway came out rejuvenated and ready for a physical battle, completely unlike the first half. This didn’t stop the Suisse fight though, and they gave it their all right until the death.
Player of the match: Geraldine Reuteler
It’s unorthodox to give POTM to the losing side, but on this occasion Switzerland genuinely did outplay Norway and there were no Norwegians who stood out. It might not have gone her way in the end with a penalty given away and a miss, but she was at the centre of everything good in that blissful first half for Switzerland.
What next for the teams:
Whilst the result didn’t go their way, Switzerland can come away with so much pride at how they played, dominating the first half and fighting valiantly in the second. Considering Norway are probably their toughest opponents; they can look ahead with hope of getting out of the group still despite the result. For Norway, they got lucky to remain in the game and the goals were not the highest quality, but they got the result on that’s all that matters. They will be aiming to win the group and avoid that Spain quarter final matchup.
Moment/player of the day:
The incredible passion and character shown by Switzerland throughout the entire game – particularly when they scored the games’ opening goal.
Group standings:
Norway 3 points
Finland 3 points
Switzerland 0 points
Iceland 0 points
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