July 10 – Norway take on Iceland in their final Group A match, looking to clinch a 100% record at EURO 2025 so far.
It hasn’t always been pretty and questions remain over the unity of the team, but Norway, the first team to confirm their spot in the last eight, will be looking to wrap up Group A with a win against Iceland in Thun.
Norway manager Gemma Graigner said: “It’s a nice position to be in, and it has changed some of our thoughts. We have a quarter final to focus on, so that’s important. But we respect this third group game, and we want to finish the group strong.”
The Norwegians recorded 2-1 victories against hosts Switzerland and Finland but their performances were mixed.
“Iceland is a team we know very well,” Graigner said. “We have played them twice recently. The games in this group have been really tight and, although Iceland didn’t get the results that they wanted, I see a very strong team, from a physical perspective. They have a very clear style of play which they have a great pride in.”
After losing their first two matches, Iceland became the first finalist to be eliminated from EURO 2025. Against Norway, there will be nothing much at stake aside from honour – and a first win at the European championship in 12 years.
Iceland manager Thorsteinn Halldorsson said: “It is different, but we always have something to keep fighting for. We go into every match to try to win. Even though we know it’s our last game, we are always playing for our fans. We want to finish the tournament in a good way.
“They have won both their games, but the luck has been on their side. They have been struggling a bit but have the players and individual quality to finish their games.”
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1752178080labto1752178080ofdlr1752178080owedi1752178080sni@i1752178080tnuk.1752178080ardni1752178080mas1752178080