The home team, Switzerland, clinched a spot in the Women’s European Championship quarter-finals on Thursday. A dramatic goal in injury time secured a 1-1 draw with Finland. This result marks the first time Switzerland has reached this stage of the tournament. They join Norway, who continued their perfect run by beating Iceland 4-3.
In Geneva, the Swiss team knew they needed just one point to advance. They pushed hard throughout the match. But Finland surprised them first, scoring from a penalty kick by Natalia Kuikka in the 79th minute. Just when it seemed time was running out, substitute Riola Xhemaili found the net for Switzerland in the 92nd minute. Both Switzerland and Finland finished Group A with four points. Switzerland took second place because they had scored more goals. This is their third time in the tournament, and now they make history by reaching the next round.
Norway, a two-time champion from 1987 and 1993, completely dominated Group A. They beat an already eliminated Iceland, finishing with a perfect nine points. This is the first time Norway has won all three group stage matches since this format began in 1997.
In the match played in Thun, Norway’s Signe Gaupset scored twice, in the 15th and 26th minutes. Frida Maanum also found the net twice, in the 49th and 76th minutes. Even though Norway had already secured their spot, Iceland put up a fight. Sveindís Jónsdóttir scored early for Iceland in the 6th minute. Hlín Eiríksdóttir added another goal in the 84th minute, and Glódís Viggósdóttir scored from a penalty in the 95th minute. Iceland finished last in the group without any points.
Marit Lund, a left-back who plays for Portuguese champions Benfica, had started the first two matches for Norway. She came on as a substitute at halftime against Iceland. However, her night ended early. She received a second yellow card in the 94th minute for a foul that led to Iceland’s final goal. This means she will be suspended for Norway’s upcoming quarter-final match.
Norway now moves on to face the second-place team from Group B. That spot will be decided on Friday. Italy plays Spain, who are already qualified and are the world champions. Portugal will play Belgium, who are already eliminated from the tournament.
Norway’s quarter-final game is set for July 16 in Geneva. This will be the first knockout round match. Two days later, the winner of Group B will play Switzerland in Bern. The 14th Women’s European Championship started on July 2 and will run until July 27. The final match will take place at St. Jakob Park in Basel. Portugal is making its third appearance in the tournament. They were knocked out in the group stage in both 2017 and 2022. Norway, despite being the second-most successful team in Euros behind Germany’s eight titles, had been eliminated in the first round in their last two attempts.