AFCON 2025
Switzerland and Finland played out a tense 1-1 draw in Geneva that saw the hosts dramatically book their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Finland took the lead in the 78th minute after a defensive error by Switzerland led to a penalty, calmly converted by Natalia Kuikka. The Swiss, needing at least a point to advance, pushed forward relentlessly.
Their efforts were finally rewarded deep into stoppage time when Riola Xhemaili fired in an equaliser in the 92nd minute to the delight of the home crowd.
The result was enough to send Switzerland through as runners-up from Group A, while Finland exited the tournament despite a spirited performance.
In Thun, Norway edged Iceland 4-3 in a thrilling encounter to complete a perfect group stage campaign with three wins from three. Iceland opened the scoring early, but Norway’s 20-year-old midfielder Signe Gaupset took centre stage.
She scored twice in the first half and set up both of Frida Maanum’s goals in the second to give Norway a commanding 4-1 lead by the 76th minute.
Iceland mounted a late comeback with two goals in the final six minutes, including a stoppage-time penalty after Norway’s Marit Bratberg Lund was sent off.
Despite the late pressure, Norway held on to top the group. Iceland’s comeback wasn’t enough to alter their fate, as they joined Finland in being eliminated.
Norway will now face the Group B runner-up in the quarter-finals, while Switzerland prepares to meet the winner of that same group.
