The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament kicked off with a bang in Helsinki and Bergen, delivering early drama, upsets, and thrilling football that showcased the growing competitiveness of the women’s game in Europe. Finland produced the first shock of the competition by toppling Nordic rivals Iceland 2-1 in the opening match, while Norway staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Switzerland 3-2 in a high-octane encounter.
As fans across Europe tuned in with great anticipation, these opening-day results served as a reminder that no team can afford to underestimate any opponent in what is expected to be the most open and fiercely contested Women’s European Championship in recent memory.
Helsinki Heroics Finland Shock Iceland with Tactical Brilliance
Finland, ranked 28th in the world by FIFA heading into the tournament, were considered underdogs against Iceland, who entered the Euros with a strong squad brimming with experienced internationals and several players plying their trade in top European leagues. Yet, under the guidance of head coach Marianne Miettinen, the hosts executed a flawless tactical gameplan to seal a memorable 2-1 victory in front of a raucous home crowd at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
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First-Half Control and the Opening Goal
From the first whistle, Finland set the tone with an aggressive yet organized pressing system that unsettled Iceland’s rhythm. Central midfielders Eveliina Summanen and Olga Ahtinen controlled the tempo, stifling Iceland’s playmakers and transitioning quickly into attack.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Finland’s forward Linda Sällström latched onto a clever through-ball from Ahtinen and slotted it past Icelandic goalkeeper Sandra Sigurðardóttir. The stadium erupted as the veteran striker celebrated what would be her 52nd international goal—a fitting moment for the experienced player who had been a pillar of Finnish women’s football for over a decade.
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Iceland Respond But Finland Stay Composed
Stung by the early goal, Iceland responded with urgency, dominating possession for a stretch before halftime. Their equalizer came in the 42nd minute through forward Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to power home a header from a corner. At 1-1, the momentum seemed to be shifting in Iceland’s favor.
However, Finland’s tactical discipline came to the fore again after the break. Rather than sitting back, they maintained their intensity and attacked with precision.
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The Winner and Historic Result
In the 63rd minute, young winger Emmi Alanen created space on the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by striker Juliette Kemppi, who nodded home the winner. It was her first goal in a major tournament, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Despite Iceland’s desperate attempts to level the score again—including a disallowed goal due to offside and a close-range shot that rattled the post in the dying minutes—Finland held firm to secure a famous victory.
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Reaction from the Finnish Camp
After the match, coach Miettinen praised her squad’s courage and preparation:
“We knew we had to be tactically perfect, and the players delivered. This win means so much—not just for our campaign but for women’s football in Finland. We’ve proven that we belong here.”
Captain Tinja-Riikka Korpela, who made a crucial late save, echoed the sentiment:
“It’s an emotional win. We were underdogs, but we showed heart and unity. This will inspire young girls across the country.”
Norway’s Comeback Magic in Bergen
Meanwhile, in Bergen, co-hosted by Norway, the home side put on a rollercoaster performance against Switzerland in front of 25,000 passionate fans at Brann Stadion. Norway, who entered the tournament looking to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite, had to dig deep to overturn a 2-0 first-half deficit and claim a thrilling 3-2 win.
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Swiss Shock in the First Half
Switzerland stunned the Norwegians with a dream start. Ramona Bachmann, the Swiss captain and Paris Saint-Germain forward, was in scintillating form. In the 12th minute, she curled a stunning strike from outside the box into the top corner, leaving Norwegian keeper Aurora Mikalsen with no chance.
Switzerland doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when midfielder Lia Wälti finished off a well-worked team move, calmly slotting the ball home after being set up by Coumba Sow. Norway looked shell-shocked, and the crowd fell eerily silent.
Coach Gemma Grainger, who took over the Norwegian team in 2024, had a serious halftime talk with her players, urging them to stick to their strengths and trust in their attacking abilities.
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Norway’s Inspired Fightback
Whatever Grainger said worked like magic. The second half saw a transformed Norway. Their high pressing and creative midfield play began to dismantle Switzerland’s defensive structure.
In the 52nd minute, Caroline Graham Hansen gave Norway hope with a stunning solo goal, dribbling past two defenders before firing low into the net. Her performance, as always, was a class apart.
Momentum shifted entirely, and just eight minutes later, Norway equalized through Ada Hegerberg. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, came to life when she latched onto a cross from Ingrid Engen and powered a header into the bottom corner.
With the stadium rocking and Switzerland on the back foot, Norway completed their comeback in the 78th minute. A deflected shot from Frida Maanum wrong-footed the Swiss keeper, sealing a 3-2 victory and wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.
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Post-Match Reactions
Hegerberg spoke with relief after the match:
“We knew we had to fight. It wasn’t our best first half, but this team has belief. We’ve come a long way, and tonight proved we have the mental strength to go deep in this tournament.”
Coach Grainger, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of resilience:
“We knew Switzerland would be tough. But this team never gives up. We stayed composed, trusted our process, and got our reward. It’s a perfect platform to build from.”
Tactical Trends and Early Standouts
The opening day of the tournament revealed several tactical trends and standout performers:
- High pressing proved highly effective for both Finland and Norway in the second half of their matches.
- Flexibility in formation was key: Finland’s switch from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 in the final 20 minutes allowed them to shore up defensively without sacrificing attacking intent.
- Individual brilliance still wins games—Sällström, Hegerberg, and Bachmann all demonstrated how a single moment of skill can change a game.
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Players to Watch After Matchday One
- Linda Sällström (Finland): A veteran who still delivers. Her sharpness and leadership were invaluable.
- Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland): Despite the loss, she lit up the match with her technique and drive.
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway): Arguably the best player on the pitch in Bergen, orchestrating Norway’s comeback.
- Juliette Kemppi (Finland): The 29-year-old striker’s winner could be a confidence booster going forward.
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