Switzerland clawed their way into the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 quarter-finals with the ultimate late show in Zurich, snatching a 1-1 draw against Finland thanks to a dramatic injury-time equaliser that sent the home crowd wild — and the Finns crashing out.
At a charged Letzigrund Stadium, the stakes couldn’t have been clearer: Finland needed all three points to leapfrog into the knockouts, while the hosts required only a draw.
It felt like the scriptwriters were working overtime — a tense, cagey opening, missed chances on both sides, a 79th-minute penalty, and a 94th-minute equaliser that flipped everything on its head. Drama, heartache, triumph. Phew.
After a nervy first half where Switzerland, it was the Finns who landed the first big blow. In the 79th minute, Natalia Kuikka coolly converted from the spot after Viola Calligaris chopped down Sällström in the box, sending a the travelling support into delirium.
From that point on, Finland defended resolutely while Switzerland pressed nervously. It wasn’t until deep into stoppage time that the breakthrough came. In the 92nd minute, substitute Riola Xhemaili pounced on a mis-hit cross from Géraldine Reuteler, calmly slotting home and sparking chaos on and off the pitch.
Player ratings
What’s next
Next up for Switzerland is a last-eight clash with Group B winners — likely Spain. Finland’s tournament ends here in the most dramatic fashion. They leave with the heartache of what could have been.
Upcoming fixtures
Fri 18th July
8pm: Winner of Group B vs Switzerland – Stadion Wankdorf, Bern, BBC ONE and iPlayer
Live standings
