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Norway came from behind to defeat tournament hosts Switzerland 2-1 in their opening Women’s Euro 2025 fixture on Wednesday, clinching the top spot in Group A after a gritty second-half turnaround in Basel.
In front of 34,000 fans at St Jakob-Park, Ada Hegerberg’s header and an own goal by Julia Stierli turned the match around for Norway following a first-half strike from Nadine Riesen. The match unfolded in sweltering conditions, with temperatures still reaching 28°C (82°F) by the final whistle.
Earlier in the day, Finland began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Iceland in Thun, but it’s Norway who lead the group on goals scored. Despite the win, Norway’s performance raised questions about their chances of claiming a major title, with star players such as Hegerberg and Barcelona winger Caroline Graham Hansen yet to fully hit their stride.
Norway coach Gemma Grainger acknowledged the imperfect performance: “In football, you create your own luck. These tournament matches are tight. Ideally, you want to play well and win, but sometimes that doesn’t go hand-in-hand.”
Switzerland controlled much of the first half and came close to taking the lead when Geraldine Reuteler’s long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 24th minute. Just four minutes later, the hosts did go ahead through Riesen, who pounced on a deflected cross to squeeze a shot in off the near post.
However, the lead didn’t last. Just eight minutes into the second half, Hegerberg capitalised on a mistake by Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng, who failed to claim a corner, allowing the Lyon striker to nod home from close range.
Moments later, Norway took the lead when Stierli inadvertently diverted Graham Hansen’s driven cross past her own goalkeeper under pressure from Hegerberg.
The 29-year-old had a chance to double her tally after Switzerland conceded a penalty for a clear handball by Reuteler, but she dragged her effort wide. Fortunately for Norway, VAR soon overturned a soft penalty awarded to the hosts for a challenge on Riesen, allowing the Scandinavians to preserve their lead until the final whistle.
Finland got their Euro 2025 journey off to a positive start earlier on Wednesday, seeing off Iceland 1-0 in Thun. Katariina Kosola netted the tournament’s first goal midway through the second half, sealing victory against a depleted Icelandic side.
The hot weather affecting much of Europe spared Thun, and Finland kept their composure. “It’s amazing,” said Kosola. “This is my first major tournament and getting a win feels great. The result gives us confidence ahead of the next match.”
Iceland lost their captain, Glodis Perla Viggosdottir, at half-time due to injury after needing treatment twice in the first half. Their troubles deepened when Hildur Antonsdottir was dismissed just before the hour mark for two yellow cards—the second for an off-the-ball stamp on Eveliina Summanen.
With the numerical advantage, Finland capitalised in the 70th minute. Malmö midfielder Kosola cut inside and fired a precise shot past goalkeeper Cecilia Runarsdottir, sealing all three points.
Finland will face Norway in their next group match on Sunday in Sion.
