Women’s Euro 2025: Signe Gaupset Makes History As Norway Edge Iceland To Seal Perfect Group Finish

At UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, Signe Gaupset delivered a breakout performance as Norway held off a late Iceland comeback to claim a 4–3 victory at the Stockhorn Arena, completing a flawless group stage.

With Norway already assured of a quarter-final place and Iceland mathematically eliminated, the match might have seemed a formality. Instead, it offered drama, history, and a star-making turn from Norway’s 20-year-old forward.

Women’s Euro 2025: Signe Gaupset Makes Her Mark

Making only her 11th senior international appearance and first start of the tournament, Signe Gaupset made an immediate impact. The SK Brann forward scored twice before halftime and assisted both of Frida Maanum’s second-half goals.

After Iceland took the lead through Sveindis Jonsdottir, who reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner, Gaupset responded with a stunning volley from a Vilde Boe Risa corner. Eleven minutes later, she added her second with a powerful low strike from outside the box, turning the match in Norway’s favor.

Gaupset then turned provider after the break. Her quick combination with Maanum set up the Arsenal midfielder for Norway’s third. The pair linked up again in the 76th minute, with Maanum driving forward to score from the edge of the area.

At just 20 years and 22 days, Gaupset became the youngest player to score twice in a Women’s Euro match, surpassing Vivianne Miedema’s record from 2017. She’s also only the second player in the tournament’s history—after Spain’s Alexia Putellas—to register two goals and two assists in a single Euros game.

Iceland Fight Back, But Norway Hold On

Though trailing 4–1, Iceland refused to go quietly. Substitute Hlin Eiriksdottir pulled one back in the 84th minute, and Glodis Viggosdottir converted a stoppage-time penalty after Marit Lund was sent off for a shirt pull.

Despite the late goals and pressure, Norway survived the scare, closing out the group with three wins from three—a feat they’ve never before achieved in a Women’s Euros. It also marks the first time since the 1999 World Cup that they’ve won all their group matches at a major tournament.

Women’s Euro 2025: Group A

Final Score: Norway 4–3 Iceland

Goals:

• Iceland: Jonsdottir (18’), Eiriksdottir (84’), Viggosdottir (90+2’ pen)

• Norway: Gaupset (27’, 38’), Maanum (58’, 76’)

Selection Decisions Pay Off

With qualification secured, head coach Gemma Grainger opted for rotation, making six changes to her starting lineup. Captain Ada Hegerberg, Guro Reiten, Caroline Graham Hansen, and others were rested, allowing fringe players to shine.

“It wasn’t perfect, especially the end,” Grainger admitted post-match, “but this game was about testing the depth of our squad—and we’ve seen what players like Signe [Gaupset] can bring.”

Indeed, apart from the defensive lapses late in the game, Norway dominated large stretches and showcased an attacking depth that could serve them well in the knockout stages.

Also Read: Copa America Femenina 2025: Groups, Teams, Fixtures, Venues, Where To Watch

Next Up

Norway will return to action in the quarter-finals on July 16 in Geneva (20:00 BST), where they will face the runner-up of Group B—most likely one of Italy, Portugal, or Spain, depending on the outcome of tonight’s final group games.

For Iceland, who finished bottom of the group with three defeats, the tournament ends in disappointment. They now hold the unwanted record of losing all group matches in three different editions of the Women’s Euros. Their focus shifts to the Nations League in October, where they’ll face Northern Ireland.