Switzerland v Norway Match Report

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 – Group A

St. Jakob-Park, Basel | 8pm Kick-Off (BST)

 2 July 2025

The tournament kicked off with a short but effective opening ceremony — simple in its delivery but creative in execution, setting a respectful and optimistic tone before the football took over. Shortly after, both teams emerged from the tunnel to a lively reception, lining up for the national anthems. With the formalities complete and anticipation building inside St. Jakob-Park, it was finally time for the action to begin — and what a game it was to finish off Matchday 1 in Group A.

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First Half

Switzerland came flying out the blocks in front of a lively home crowd, forcing a corner within the opening minute. A short routine followed, showing early intent even though it came to nothing.

Livia Peng had little to do early on, with the Swiss looking the more settled side. Geraldine Reuteler, Julia Stierli and Nadine Riesen were particularly influential, while the hosts worked the ball through the thirds with patience and composure. Smilla Vallotto and Noemi Ivelj were sharp in midfield, supporting wide threats like Iman Beney and Nadine Riesen.

Norway threatened through the dangerous Caroline Graham Hansen and the returning Ada Hegerberg, but it was Switzerland who were firmly on top in the opening exchanges. Reuteler rattled the crossbar in the 24th minute after finding space at the edge of the box, with the Norwegian defence caught ball-watching. It felt like a breakthrough was coming — and it did.

Switzerland got their reward for a strong start. A low ball across the box caused chaos in the Norway defence, and after a scramble, it fell kindly back to Swiss wing-back Nadine Riesen, who made no mistake. Her right-footed finish from the left-hand side of the box clipped the post on the way in — a deserved opener for the hosts.

Switzerland stayed on top, controlling possession and stretching the game well through the flanks, with Wälti pulling strings from deep and delivering pinpoint diagonals. Norway lacked rhythm and looked second-best for much of the first half, with only brief glimpses of threat.

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Second Half

The game restarted with a scrappy and cagey tone, but it didn’t take long for Norway to make their mark.

A pinpoint corner from Vilde Bøe Risa was swung right on top of the goalkeeper, and Ada Hegerberg reacted fastest, heading home her 50th international goal. Norway’s first real chance — and they took it.

Moments later, a lofted ball over the top found Graham Hansen in behind. Her cut-back looked destined for Hegerberg again, but Swiss defender Julia Stierli slid in to intercept — and only succeeded in turning it into her own net. Norway had flipped the game in just over four minutes.

Substitutions followed as both sides adjusted. Schertenleib and Pilgrim replaced Xhemaili and Ivelj for Switzerland, while Lisa Naalsund and Mathilde Harviken came on for Norway in place of Bøe Risa and Maren Mjelde.

Livia Peng kept Switzerland alive shortly after, rushing out brilliantly to deny Hegerberg one-on-one. At the other end, Reuteler continued to shine and forced a fine save from Fiskerstrand with a fierce strike from the edge of the box.

Norway were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after a handball by Switzerland’s number 6 Geraldine Reuteler— but Hegerberg, chasing her 51st goal, dragged it wide of the post. Switzerland then thought they’d won a penalty of their own just two minutes, but after a VAR review, it was overturned for offside in the build-up.

In the final ten minutes, Switzerland pushed for an equaliser. Schertenleib slipped a ball through to Reuteler, only for Norway to deny her with a last-ditch tackle. Then came their biggest chance — Pilgrim cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive, forcing a sharp save. The rebound fell to Beney, whose follow-up was cleared off the line. So close, yet so far.

Despite a late flurry of pressure and seven minutes of added time, Switzerland couldn’t find a way through. Norway held on to claim a hard-fought comeback win.

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Full-Time: Switzerland 1–2 Norway

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Post-Match Thoughts

Despite the defeat, Switzerland can take heart from a bold and well-structured performance. They caused Norway real problems down the flanks, kept the ball excellently in spells, and dictated much of the first half. Captain Lia Wälti (currently on 129 caps) led by example, while Geraldine Reuteler and Nadine Riesen were standouts throughout.

Norway will be relieved to come away with all three points after a sluggish first half. Tactical tweaks at half-time — including bypassing the Swiss press and tightening midfield gaps — made a huge difference. Caroline Graham-Hansen played a massive part in Norway having a better second half, with the attacking threat of both herself and Hegerberg eventually proved decisive.

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Group A Outlook

In Group A’s earlier game, Finland beat Iceland 1–0, meaning Norway top the group on goal difference. Switzerland sit third, ahead of Iceland, with everything still to play for.

Up next, the hosts face Iceland, while Norway meet Finland — both matches taking place on Sunday, 6 July 2025.