UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: Day 1 Recap

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: Day 1

Iceland 0 – 1 Finland
Kosola (70’)

	Iceland	Finland
Possession	44.5%	55.5%
Shots	13	16
Shots on target	4	4
Expected Goals	1.29	0.77

Finland Opens Tournament with a Surprise Win

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 officially kicked off at the Stockhorn Arena, where Finland secured a 1-0 win over Iceland in the tournament’s opening match. The result came as a mild surprise, given that Iceland sits 12 places higher in the FIFA World Rankings. It marked Finland’s first EUROs victory since 2009 and puts them in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals.

Scoreless First Half with Missed Chances

With strong winds affecting both teams, the first half was marked by scrappy play. Finland looked the more dangerous side early on, nearly scoring in the 4th minute. Katariina Kosola was the standout player, constantly threatening from the left flank. She came close in the 32nd minute, but her shot sailed over the bar.

Iceland nearly stole the lead in the 40th minute when Sveindis Jonsdottir’s shot was blocked inside the box by Emma Koivisto. Iceland also suffered a blow when captain Glodis Viggosdottir was forced to exit due to illness at halftime.

Iceland Reduced to 10 Players

Things got worse for Iceland after halftime. Hildur Antonsdottir picked up two yellow cards within seven minutes—the first for a late challenge on Kosola and the second for a reckless stamp on Summanen. A brief VAR review upheld the second yellow, reducing Iceland to 10 players for the final 30 minutes.

Kosola Delivers the Winner

With the numerical advantage, Finland ramped up the pressure. Emma Koivisto helped create overloads down the right, but it was Kosola who capitalized. Receiving a switch from Summanen, she cut inside and curled a beautiful finish into the top right corner. Though Runarsdottir got a hand to it, the goal stood as a deserved payoff for Finland’s persistence.

Iceland Pushes Late

Despite the setback, Iceland rallied. They pressed high and disrupted Finland’s rhythm. Jonsdottir came close again, just missing a lobbed effort over the goalkeeper. Koivunen was called into action multiple times, but Iceland couldn’t convert their late pressure into a goal.

Switzerland 1 – 2 Norway
Riesen (28’), Hegerberg (54’), Stierli (58’ OG)

	Switzerland	Norway
Possession	54.4%	45.6%
Shots	17	8
Shots on target	7	3
Expected Goals	0.98	1.78

Switzerland Impresses Early

With over 34,000 fans in attendance at St. Jakob-Park, the UEFA EURO 2025 host nation started brightly. Switzerland pressed high and created several chances, including a shot from Reuteler that hit the crossbar. Lia Walti controlled the midfield, and Nadine Riesen gave the Swiss a deserved lead with a low drive in the 28th minute.

Norway Rallies in the Second Half

Norway came out stronger after halftime. Graham Hansen and Reiten pushed higher up the pitch, and Ada Hegerberg leveled the score with a header from a Bøe Risa corner. Just minutes later, Norway took the lead after a flowing team move ended in an own goal by Swiss defender Stierli, who deflected a low cross past her own goalkeeper.

Missed Penalties and Controversy

Norway had a chance to seal the game when Reuteler handled the ball in the box. Hegerberg, however, missed the resulting penalty. Switzerland thought they had won a penalty of their own shortly after, but the referee ruled offside in the buildup.

Final Moments

Reuteler missed a clear 1-on-1 chance late in the game, while Schertenleib and Pilgrim also had close efforts. Despite the late pressure, Norway held on and finished the day at the top of Group A.