Norway stuns Switzerland with comeback victory in Euro 2025 opener
- Norway triumphed over Switzerland 2-1 in their Euro 2025 opener, overcoming a first-half deficit.
- Ada Hegerberg's goals were pivotal, scoring the equalizer and impacting the match despite a missed penalty.
- The game highlighted the increased competitiveness in women's football and left Switzerland with an unexpected loss in their home tournament.
In Switzerland, Norway faced off against the host nation in the opening match of Euro 2025, which marked a significant moment for both teams. Switzerland entered the tournament with aspirations of advancing beyond the group stage despite dealing with personnel setbacks, notably the injury of star player Ramona Bachmann. Norway, on the other hand, hoped to shake off their chaotic memories from the last World Cup and establish themselves as serious contenders in the Euros. The match began at St Jakob-Park with Switzerland initially appearing more organized and confident. As the first half progressed, Switzerland controlled the tempo, creating multiple chances while nullifying Norway's offense. However, Norway’s star striker Ada Hegerberg changed the game’s momentum with a powerful header that equalized the score after Switzerland went ahead with a goal early in the match. The equalizer emerged from a corner that caught the Swiss defense off guard, illustrating Norway's ability to adapt. This goal galvanized the Norwegian team, who had struggled with cohesion in previous matches. The determination of Norway's players was apparent as they pressed forward in search of a winning goal. Despite facing fierce opposition from the home crowd and the pressure of the moment, Hegerberg had another chance to secure victory for her team by taking a penalty kick after the ball struck Swiss defender Geraldine Reuteler's arm. In an unexpected turn, Hegerberg missed the penalty, which left the Swiss team with a glimmer of hope for a comeback of their own. However, Norway managed to maintain their composure amidst the mounting pressure from the host nation. With a backdrop of passionate fans and a tense atmosphere, the match concluded with Norway celebrating their hard-fought victory. Many Swiss fans displayed their discontent with the loss, which was particularly bitter as they were the first dedicated host nation to lose their Euros opener. Nonetheless, the matchup showcased the rising competitive standards in women’s football across Europe. Despite their win, Norway's performance left questions about their overall preparedness and cohesion as they aimed to navigate through the tournament’s challenges effectively.