Switzerland confirmed their place in the quarter-finals at EURO 2025 thanks to a late Riola Xhemaili equaliser. 

The home nation broke Finnish hearts to solidify their spot in the knockout stage in dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, qualified Norway and eliminated Iceland met in a heated seven-goal thriller.

The Halfway Line recaps all of the action as Group A rounded things off in style.

Switzerland squeeze past Finland

The hosts made it out of the group, but only just. Pia Sundhage’s side were moments from an early exit in Geneva before late substitute Riola Xhemaili’s stoppage-time equaliser snatched a 1–1 draw against the Finnish, securing second place in Group A. La Nati now turn their attention to facing World Champions Spain in the quarter-finals.

It had been a cagey affair throughout, and it was Finland who struck after almost 80 minutes of goalless deadlock. Natalia Kuikka calmly converted from the penalty spot with just over ten minutes to play after Emma Koivisto was fouled in the box by Viola Calligaris. Xhemaili’s late heroics salvaged a vital point to send La Nati forward, and no doubt sparked wild celebrations across the country.

Finland had defended a hungry Swiss outfit with discipline and carried a threat on the break as well as from set pieces. Needing all three points to progress, Helmarit came within touching distance of the final eight. Despite three positive performances, it wasn’t quite enough to see them out of the group stage.

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Norway’s chaotic Euro 2025 campaign continues

Norway wrapped Group A in memorable fashion, edging out Iceland through a thrilling 4–3 win in Thun. 

Signe Gaupset stole the show in her first EURO start, scoring two goals and delivering two assists. After Iceland took an early lead through Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s, Gaupset’s skilful volley equalised. She wasn’t finished there, and added a stunning  finish 11 minutes later. Frida Maanum’s two contributions were both set up by the young star, putting Norway comfortably in front at half-time.

Iceland, although already eliminated, point blank refused to roll over. Hlín Eiríksdóttir pulled one back in the 84th minute and chaos ensued late on when Norway’s Marit Bratberg Lund received a red card. Glódís Viggósdóttir coolly converted the consequent stoppage-time penalty, almost rescuing a draw. 

With a perfect set of three wins despite some shaky displays, Norway finish top of the group and will face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals. Iceland’s spirited showing ends in disappointment, but they can be proud of their late surge .

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The Halfway OnLine

The Swiss Fan Zone in Zürich certainly enjoyed that one.

Lovely to see this.

Oops…

We need more fun Euro 2025 celebrations, please.

You can read all of the latest news, analysis and opinion at Euro 2025 on The Halfway Line.