The UEFA Women’s Euros have kicked off this summer, with two intriguing opening matches. The tournament, hosted in Switzerland, featured two clashes between the four teams in Group A. These teams hosted Switzerland, as well as the Nordic trio of Norway, Iceland and Finland.
The first match in the competition was an encounter between Finland and Iceland. Iceland were the clear favourites before the match, with Finland looking to sully an unwanted eight-match winless run in the competition. The match took place at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun.
As Sarina Wiegman’s England look to defend their previous honours at the tournament, as well as many new teams looking to write their footballing history, let’s look at the match that started this exciting edition of the tournament.
Iceland 0- 1 Finland
The tournament’s action began at the Arena Thun on a sunny afternoon. For the most part, however, the game began rather coldly, with both teams struggling to find rhythm. Favourites for this encounter, Iceland, were more notably the team needing to warm up, as Finland winger Katariina Kosola made the first shot that forced a save by Cecilía Rán Rúnarsdóttir.
Finland further committed, most often down to the left side of the pitch, to try to break Iceland. Iceland almost broke the deadlock with their opportunities. But despite Finnish pressure, Rúnarsdóttir remained impassable, leaving the first half at 0-0.
The second half began with a greater awakening of energy, with Alexandra Jóhannsdóttir running directly at the Finnish defence. In the 55th minute, Jóhannsdóttir threw in a terrific long ball, leading to a goalmouth scramble, but the Finnish defence reacted well to negate the possibility of them conceding.
However, the momentum that had been in Iceland’s favour changed soon after. The Icelandics were left down to ten as Hildur Antonsdóttir was sent off after a second yellow for an off-the-ball challenge. Sensing their advantage, Finland pressed on. In the 69th minute, their intensity succeeded. Kosola had scored a great goal, curling it into the top corner. Following the goal, Finland continued to be the dominant force.
Jóhannsdóttir broke in behind for Iceland but could not make the finish. Finland held on in a return to the caginess of the first half in the last minutes. In turn, this results in a vast and unlikely outcome.
Finland will next face Norway in Sion on Sunday, July 5, while Iceland will face off against hosts Switzerland in Bern later that evening.
Player of the Match: Katariina Kosola
Attendance: 7683
Don’t Miss: Fabián Ruiz: The Beating Heart of the PSG Midfield