July 10 – The stakes couldn’t be higher tonight in Geneva as Switzerland and Finland go head-to-head for the last quarter-final spot in Group A of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
While, Norway have already secured top spot, a draw will be enough to send the hosts through, while Finland must win to progress. Only one of them will join the Norwegians in the knockout rounds.
Switzerland arrive at this final group fixture buoyed by a 2-0 win over Iceland, which followed a narrow 2-1 defeat to Norway. Alayah Pilgrim’s late goal on Sunday may yet prove to be the decisive moment of the campaign, ensuring Pia Sundhage’s side go into this with their fate firmly in their own hands. And with 30,000 home fans expected to fill the Geneva stadium tonight, belief is building that Switzerland could reach the quarter-finals of a home tournament for the first time.
Sundhage is determined to keep her side grounded. “We can’t do the same thing as in the last two games because Finland is a different team,” she said on the eve of the match. “We have prepared the team with a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C. We will bring out the best performance in each other and make sure whoever is starting—and those coming off the bench—can make the result a positive one.”
Switzerland have shown flashes of quality in both their group games—an excellent first half against Norway and a composed finish against Iceland—and now need to combine both performances in one 90-minute display.
For Finland, the task is clear. After a gritty 1-0 win over ten-woman Iceland, they fell to a late 2-1 defeat against Norway despite arguably producing their best performance of the year. That loss may have dented morale, but coach Marko Saloranta insists the team is focused on the opportunity still within reach.
“The defeat against Norway was disappointing, but we now just need to get over it,” said Saloranta. “Everything is in our own hands. Before the EURO, we had a clear goal and that was to get further than the group stage. That has not changed and now it will mean we need to take three points on Thursday.”
Finland’s mix of resilience and growing confidence could be enough to trouble the Swiss, especially if they can capitalise on any nerves from the hosts. With a packed stadium expected and knockout dreams on the line, Saloranta is relishing the moment.
“The atmosphere in the first two games has been fantastic and I am sure it will be even better when we play against the host nation in a fully packed stadium,” he added. “We are really looking forward to a great evening.”
Geneva is set for drama. One team’s summer will end tonight. The other will move on to chase a place in EURO history.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1752178663labto1752178663ofdlr1752178663owedi1752178663sni@g1752178663niwe.1752178663yrrah1752178663