July 2 – EURO 2025 gets underway this evening in Thun, where Iceland and Finland meet in the tournament’s first fixture – a curtain-raiser with real Nordic edge, even if the official opening ceremony waits for the hosts later in the day.
These sides haven’t met in a competitive match since 1984, but Finland have won the last three encounters, including a friendly in Reykjavík in 2023. That said, past form won’t count for much in a group that also features Switzerland and Norway — and where every point could prove decisive.
Finland arrive battle-tested from a gritty playoff win over Scotland, but the momentum from qualifying has stalled. Injuries to key players and a mixed Nations League campaign have raised questions over their capability to mix it with the bigger sides, though not enough to write them off.
Iceland, meanwhile, looked like dark horses after a thumping 3–0 win over Germany in qualifying, but they’ve stumbled since — winless in ten and missing key players for much of the build-up.
Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir leads a squad with tournament experience, and the return of Amanda Andradóttir and Diljá Zomers gives manager Thorsteinn Halldórsson more attacking options than he’s had in months.
Known for his calm demeanour, Halldórsson shrugged off criticism after Euro 2022 and has rebuilt a competitive, cohesive unit. Speaking ahead of his side’s opener this evening, he said: “We are ready and excited. There is of course anticipation for this all to begin, but I’m just feeling good. There has been good intensity in training, the players are all fit and eager to get started.
“We have been going through their strengths and looking for their weaknesses. We know what they have been doing in the past and are prepared for that. But it’s a new game tomorrow and they can come up with something new, but we try to prepare as well as possible for every situation.”
Finland coach Marko Saloranta felt that his team’s underdog status may work in their favour. He said: “All the players are in good shape and everything is looking good. Iceland are 15th in the FIFA rankings and therefore favourites. We’re ranked lowest in our group, and that suits us, but we’re not going to bow to others; we’ll challenge Iceland, the favourites.
“We have good spirit in the camp. The players are expectant, but I wouldn’t call them excited; rather focused, and clear about what we’re aiming to do here in Switzerland.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751462965labto1751462965ofdlr1751462965owedi1751462965sni@g1751462965niwe.1751462965yrrah1751462965