Switzerland saves Euro 2025 hopes with dramatic equaliser against Finland
- Switzerland's women's team drew 1-1 with Finland, needing only a draw to advance.
- Riola Xhemaili scored the equalising goal in stoppage time at the Stade de Geneve.
- This match marks the first time the Swiss women have reached the knockout stage in a European championship.
In Switzerland, the national women's football team secured a place in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals after a thrilling encounter against Finland, held at the Stade de Geneve. With only 13 minutes left in the match, Finland took the lead when Natalia Kuikka converted a penalty kick, putting pressure on the Swiss side, who needed just a draw to advance based on goal difference. Despite their struggles throughout the match, the Swiss team displayed incredible resilience in the dying minutes as they relentlessly pressed for an equaliser. In a dramatic turn of events, Riola Xhemaili, who entered the game as a substitute, scored in the second minute of added time, lifting the spirits of the home crowd and completing the comeback for Switzerland. This historic goal not only ensured a 1-1 draw with Finland but also marked Switzerland's first advancement to the knockout stage of a European championship for their women's team. The equaliser sparked scenes of jubilation throughout the country, as fans celebrated the success of their team in reaching this significant stage of the tournament. Meanwhile, in another match in the same group, Norway performed impressively against Iceland, winning 4-3 to finish atop Group A with a perfect record of three victories. Signe Gaupset stood out for Norway, scoring twice and assisting on two other goals, securing the team's spot in the quarter-finals. The match against Iceland highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament and the unpredictability of knockout games. As the tournament progresses, attention will turn to the upcoming matches, which promise more thrilling football action. World champions Spain were scheduled to conclude their Group B schedule against Italy, while other teams continue to vie for their places in the next rounds. The success of teams like Switzerland and Norway fuels the excitement of the Euros, showcasing the development of women's football on the international stage and underscoring the importance of these tournaments in providing unforgettable moments for fans and players alike.