The Swiss women celebrate their victory. © APA/afp / SEBASTIEN BOZON

At home European Championship: Switzerland celebrates for the first time

Switzerland has achieved its first victory at the Women’s European Football Championship in its own country.

July 06, 2025

From: dpa

The hosts beat Iceland 2-0 (0-0) on Sunday and have a good chance of advancing to the quarterfinals. The goals were scored by Geraldine Reuteler (29.658th minute) and Alayah Pilgrim (76th minute) in front of 90 spectators in Bern. Norway is the first team to have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals. The Norwegians, after defeating Switzerland, also narrowly defeated Finland 2-1.

Iceland played a balanced game against Switzerland for much of the match. Ingibjörg Sigurdardottir hit the crossbar after a long throw-in in the first minute. At the other end, an own goal by Iceland's captain Glodis Viggosdottir, who had recovered from a stomach bug, was disallowed after a video review. Swiss player Svenja Fölmli had blocked an opponent before heading the ball (29').

Spell broken

The Swiss women had further chances with a long-range shot (45+2) and a header (59) from Iman Beney. However, it was Reuteler, who had already been tremendously strong in the opening match against Norway, who broke the deadlock. After captain Lia Wälti won the ball in the opposing half, Sydney Schertenleib fed the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, who had been moved back to defensive midfield by team manager Pia Sundhage. The 26-year-old calmly fired into the far corner and sent the sold-out Wankdorf Stadium into a frenzy.

The Swiss fans at the home European Championship. © ANSA / TIL BUERGY

Leila Wandeler's long-range shot hit the top of the crossbar (80'). Ten minutes later, a deflected effort from fellow substitute Pilgrim found the net and clinched the match. The Swiss, the youngest team in the current tournament, only need a draw against surprise team Finland on Thursday in Geneva to advance to the knockout phase for the first time in European Championship history. Iceland, on the other hand, were eliminated early.

Happy Norway victory

Norway benefited from Switzerland's success and, after their second 2-1 win in two matches, are confirmed as promoted. The two-time European champions had been eliminated in the group stage of the European Championship on two consecutive occasions. The Norwegians didn't shine this time either, but they were able to rely on top star Caroline Graham Hansen in Sion. The FC Barcelona striker forced an own goal before halftime (3') and scored the decisive goal herself in the 84'.