Switzerland Fall Short in Euro 2025 Opener Despite Spirited Start

Posted : 03 July 2025

Switzerland's highly anticipated journey as hosts of UEFA Women's Euro 2025 began with a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Norway in Basel. In front of a sold-out St Jakob-Park and thousands of passionate fans, the Swiss national team took an early lead but couldn't hold on, becoming the first host nation in Women’s Euros history to lose their opening match.

Head coach Pia Sundhage, a seasoned veteran who previously led Sweden on home soil at Euro 2013, urged her players pre-match to "embrace the pressure" of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Switzerland seemed to respond to that challenge early on, with Nadine Riesen putting them ahead after a dominant first-half display. However, their momentum was quickly halted as Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg equalised, and Julia Stierli’s unfortunate own goal just minutes later sealed Switzerland’s fate.

Despite the defeat, Sundhage remained positive. “Oh yeah, they embraced the pressure,” she said post-match, reflecting on the team’s emotional readiness and unity. She emphasized that the team is still very much alive in the tournament and must now shift focus to upcoming Group A clashes against Iceland and Finland. “We start with Iceland and if we play a good game, we put ourselves in a good spot,” she added.

Off the pitch, the Swiss public turned the tournament’s opening day into a vibrant celebration of national pride. Thousands of supporters marched together from the city centre to the stadium, ringing cowbells, singing, and proudly wearing red. The atmosphere in Basel was festive and inclusive, with locals cheering from balconies and entire families participating in the festivities.

Sundhage’s appointment in 2024 generated considerable optimism, thanks to her prestigious track record with the U.S., Brazil, and Sweden. While her tenure with Switzerland has had mixed results, fans have shown unwavering support. Many see Euro 2025 as a turning point for women’s football in the country and are focused more on unity than criticism.

Inside the stadium, the energy remained high even after the final whistle. Though the opening result wasn’t what Switzerland had hoped for, the resilience of the team and the passion of their supporters suggest the journey is far from over.

Switzerland Fall Short in Euro 2025 Opener Despite Spirited Start

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