Hansen Sends Norway to Euro 2025 Quarter-Finals as Switzerland Beat Iceland

Posted : 07 July 2025

Caroline Graham Hansen led Norway to the brink of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Sunday, scoring a decisive late goal in a 2-1 victory over Finland in Sion. The Barcelona forward netted the winner six minutes from time with a mishit cross that curled into the net, securing all three points and maintaining Norway’s perfect record at the top of Group A.

Norway got off to a strong start and appeared poised for a comfortable afternoon when Finland’s Eva Nystrom inadvertently deflected Hansen’s low cross into her own net early in the game. The Norwegians came agonizingly close to doubling their lead midway through the first half, hitting the woodwork twice in one minute—first through Ingrid Engen's header from Vilde Boe Risa’s delivery, then via an inswinging corner that Finnish goalkeeper Anna Koivunen palmed onto the post.

Koivunen proved to be Finland’s standout performer, making a series of impressive saves. She denied Hansen’s low shot and then raced off her line to block Ada Hegerberg’s close-range attempt, keeping her team in the game.

Finland’s persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Oona Sevenius calmly placed a shot from the edge of the area past Norway keeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand to draw level. Buoyed by the equalizer, Finland nearly took the lead themselves, but Eveliina Summanen’s effort was tipped onto the post by Fiskerstrand.

Hansen seemed to miss Norway's golden chance in the 82nd minute, blasting over from just yards out. But the winger made amends shortly after with a stunning solo run, skipping past defenders before lifting the ball in off the post to seal a dramatic win.

With the victory, Norway moved to six points and secured qualification for the knockout stage, pending the result of Switzerland vs. Iceland later in the day.

In the evening match, hosts Switzerland earned their first win of the tournament, beating Iceland 2-0 in front of 29,658 fans to stay in contention for a quarter-final spot. Iceland nearly shocked the home crowd in the opening minute, as Ingibjorg Sigurdarsdottir rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 76th minute when Geraldine Reuteler fired home after Sydney Schertenlieb capitalized on a midfield turnover. Alayah Pilgrim then sealed the win with a deflected shot in stoppage time, finishing off a swift counter-attack.

The results leave Norway atop Group A with six points, followed by Switzerland and Finland, who are level on points but separated by goal difference. Iceland, with two defeats, are now eliminated from the tournament.

Switzerland will face Finland in their final group match on Wednesday in Geneva, while Norway will look to finish with a perfect record against already-eliminated Iceland in Thun.

Hansen Sends Norway to Euro 2025 Quarter-Finals as Switzerland Beat Iceland

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