Finland opened the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 with a narrow 1‑0 win over Iceland at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun on Wednesday, giving them an early edge in Group A. In a lively evening match with Nordic bragging rights on the line, Finland broke a 16-year winless spell at the Euros and surged to the top of the table.
The first half was a tight midfield battle, with Finland edging the tempo and Iceland threatening through long throw-ins and set-piece forays. Iceland’s stand-in keeper, Cecilia Rúnarsdóttir, had to be alert — repelling efforts from Finland’s Katariina Kosola around the 16th minute, ensuring the deadlock held until halftime.
The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute. Iceland’s Hildur Antonsdóttir was sent off after a second yellow card, reducing her side to ten and shifting the momentum. Just two minutes later, Kosola seized the moment, picking up a clearance from the edge of the box, cutting inside and firing a fierce strike into the top corner to become Player of the Match.
Despite their numerical advantage, Finland faced persistent resistance from Iceland. Young defender Emma Koivisto and captain Linda Sällström marshalled the backline, and Rúnarsdóttir made another confident stop to preserve the lead. Iceland continued probing late on, but Finland’s defence held firm.
Finland’s victory, their first at a Euros since 2009, propels them to three points and early control of Group A. Iceland, meanwhile, suffer an immediate setback; their 0-point start continues a long streak—they’ve won just one of their last 14 Euro finals matches
Player ratings
What’s next
Finland now prepare to face Norway in Sion on Sunday, looking to build on this momentum. With midfielders Kuikka and Summanen in form, expect a strong defensive setup to counter the threat of Norway’s attacking trio. Iceland, playing next in Bern against Switzerland, face a crucial test—bouncing back will require resilience and sharper finishing if they’re to salvage tournament hopes.
For Iceland, however, it spells the end of their tournament — extending a frustrating Euros run that has yet to yield a single finals victory or goal. Their last clash with Norway offers only pride to play for.
Remaining Group A fixtures
Wed 2nd July
20:00: Switzerland vs Norway – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, BBC iPlayer
Sun 6th Jul
17:00: Norway vs Finland – Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, BBC iPlayer
20:00: Switzerland vs Iceland – Stadion Wankdorf, Bern, ITVX
Thu 10th July
20:00: Finland vs Switzerland – Stade de Genève, Geneva, BBC iPlayer
20:00: Norway vs Iceland – Arena Thun, Thun, BBC iPlayer
Live standings
