Norway, the first team to qualify for the Women's Euro quarterfinals
Norway, the first team to qualify for the Women's Euro quarterfinals
They beat Finland by two goals to one and benefited from Switzerland's victory over Iceland.
From the Editorial Staff
La Jornada Newspaper, Monday, July 7, 2025, p. a11
Norway, the second-highest winner in the history of the Women's Euro, continues its perfect run on its way to a third title at the tournament. Gemma Grainger's team became the first to reach the quarterfinals after beating Finland 2-1 and benefited from hosts Switzerland's 2-0 victory over Iceland, the two sides meeting in a direct duel for a place in the next round.
The Norwegians reached six points to now sit atop Group A, followed by Switzerland and Finland, which has three points, while Iceland is practically eliminated after suffering a second defeat. Norway will now face Iceland on Thursday to secure the lead in the group; the Swiss and Finnish teams will compete that day for qualification.
Caroline Graham, the savior
Barcelona international star Caroline Graham Hansen stood out, saving the Norwegians' victory with a stylish individual move as time ran out. The winger shook off two opponents to break into the box down the left flank and unleash a shot that hit the post and then went in with 84 minutes on the clock.
The goal ended the on-field tension and sparked a resounding celebration in the stands at the Stade de Tourbillon in Sion, as the match had been tied for more than 50 minutes. The Norwegians had taken the lead thanks to a mistake by Eva Nyström (minute 3), who sent the ball into her own net, while Oona Sevenius (32) temporarily equalized for Finland.
Norway is looking to return to the top of the tournament after winning in 1987 and 1993. The last time they came close to lifting a title was in 2009, when they lost in the final to Germany, the continental tournament's record winner with eight titles.
Even with the victory over Finland, the Norwegians had to wait a couple of hours to celebrate their qualification after Switzerland, led by the iconic Pia Sundhage, defeated Iceland, which was attended by 29,000 fans at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern.
Switzerland, which had a goal disallowed in the 28th minute, had to wait until the 76th minute to open the scoring, thanks to a daring move by Sydney Schertenleib, who set up Géraldine Reuteler. The game was decided at 90+1, thanks to a brilliant save by Alayah Pilgrim.
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