Ada Hegerberg scored the 1-1 for Norway. © APA/afp / SEBASTIEN BOZON

Lots going on in Basel: Switzerland botches start to home European Championship

Own goal, missed penalty, video evidence: In a thrilling European Championship opening match, the Swiss women's football team started their home tournament with a defeat despite plenty of Bundesliga power.

July 02, 2025

From: dpa

Coach Pia Sundhage's team lost the official opening match 34.063-1 (2-1) to Norway in front of 0 spectators in Basel. Former World Player of the Year Ada Hegerberg (54th minute) scored her 50th international goal and Freiburg's Julia Stierli (58th/own goal) gave coach Gemma Grainger's team an optimal start to the tournament. Eintracht Frankfurt's Nadine Riesen (28th) had given the Swiss team the lead before halftime at St. Jakob-Park, but Hegerberg missed a handball penalty (70th).

A colorful opening show, complete with choreography, initially gave the hosts, led by Arsenal captain Lia Wälti, who had just returned fit, an additional boost. The strong wingers Riesen and Iman Beney, in particular, interpreted their roles aggressively. The lead was therefore well-deserved, especially since Géraldine Reuteler, also on contract with Frankfurt, had just blasted the ball onto the crossbar from 18 meters.

Norway restrained, then comes the double blow

Norway, led by FC Bayern's defensive leader Tuva Hansen, initially remained rather passive. That changed after the break. Hegerberg headed in the equalizer from a corner. And, in keeping with the initial chants of "Norge, Norge" from the small away section, Stierli slid the ball into his own net in an attempt to save the ball. Goalkeeper Livia Peng, who is moving from Werder Bremen to Chelsea, even managed a reflex save to prevent Hegerberg from making it 1-3.

The match was hard-fought. © APA/afp / SEBASTIEN BOZON

Sundhage reacted, bringing on the 18-year-old super-talent Sydney Schertenleib from FC Barcelona. The Swiss now pressed, but were also fortunate when Hegerberg sent the ball woefully wide from the penalty spot. In return, video review prevented a potential penalty for the hosts, who put in a lot of effort in the closing stages but were unlucky in the final stages.

Finland breaks the spell

Finland's women's soccer team, meanwhile, has won a European Championship match for the first time since 2009, making a successful start to the tournament. Coach Marko Saloranta's team beat Iceland 1-0 (0-0) in their opening Group A match, significantly improving their position for a place in the quarterfinals in temperatures of almost 30 degrees Celsius and at times strong winds.

Katariina Kosola saved Finland. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

In front of around 8.000 spectators in Thun, Switzerland, Katariina Kosola scored the decisive goal of the match in the 70th minute. Earlier, Iceland's Hildur Antonsdottir received two yellow cards within a few minutes and was sent off with a second yellow card (58th minute).