Ada Hegerberg shook off the disappointment of a missed penalty to lead Norway to a spirited 2–1 comeback win over host nation Switzerland in their opening match of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
In front of 34,000 fans baking under the Swiss sun at St Jakob-Park, the two-time European champions overturned a first-half deficit to claim all three points and top Group A on goals scored.
Switzerland, energized by the home crowd and guided by veteran coach Pia Sundhage, made a bright start. They dominated the opening 45 minutes and finally broke through in the 28th minute. Midfielder Nadine Riesen — the standout performer of the half — pounced on her own deflected cross and scuffed a low shot in off the near post to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Reuteler had earlier come close with a thunderous strike from distance that crashed off the crossbar, and Switzerland looked in control heading into the break as Norway failed to muster a single shot on target in the first half.
But the game turned sharply after halftime.
Ada Hegerberg’s Heroics At Women’s Euro 2025 Opener
Ada Hegerberg, the all-time Women’s Champions League top scorer, made her mark in the 54th minute. She capitalized on poor goalkeeping from Livia Peng, heading home Vilde Bøe Risa’s corner to draw Norway level with her first goal of the year for her country.
Just four minutes later, Caroline Graham Hansen’s low cross caused panic in the Swiss defense, and Julia Stierli, attempting to clear ahead of Hegerberg, inadvertently turned the ball into her own net.
Suddenly behind, Switzerland struggled to regain momentum — but nearly received a lifeline in the 67th minute when Géraldine Reuteler was penalized for handball inside the box. However, Hegerberg dragged the ensuing penalty wide of the left post, leaving the door open for a Swiss comeback.
That hope was short-lived. Switzerland were awarded a penalty of their own minutes later after Riesen went down in the area, but VAR intervened and ruled an offside in the buildup, overturning the decision.
The final whistle confirmed Norway’s narrow victory — and marked the end of a 12-match winning streak for host nations at the Women’s European Championship, a run dating back to 2017.
Despite the defeat, the Swiss fans remained in their seats, applauding their team after a brave performance that ultimately went unrewarded. Coach Pia Sundhage, who had labeled this her “biggest challenge,” now faces an uphill battle to keep her side’s tournament hopes alive.
Earlier in the day, Finland edged 10-player Iceland 1–0 in Thun, thanks to Katariina Kosola’s composed finish in the 70th minute. Iceland’s captain Glodis Perla Viggosdottir was forced off with injury in the first half, and their problems deepened when Hildur Antonsdottir was sent off shortly before the goal.
Norway now top Group A ahead of Finland on goals scored, with the two sides set to meet in Sion on Sunday in what promises to be a key clash for control of the group.
Also Read: Euro 2025 Today: Full TV Schedule And How To Watch Live
Group A Standings (after Matchday 1):
Norway – 3 pts (+1)
Finland – 3 pts (+1)
Switzerland – 0 pts (-1)
Iceland – 0 pts (-1)
