Norway Vs Iceland

Norway's journey in the Women’s European Championship has taken a notable turn for the better in 2025, bringing a renewed sense of optimism and ambition to a national side that had endured successive group-stage disappointments in recent editions. For the first time since their impressive run in 2013, the Norwegian women are set to feature in the knockout stages of the tournament, marking a significant moment of progress and a potential new chapter in their international campaign. After facing setbacks and failing to advance past the initial rounds in the previous two editions, the current squad, galvanized by a mix of seasoned professionals and energetic newcomers, has finally managed to break the group stage curse that haunted them for years.

Norway’s qualification to the quarter-finals came through hard-fought battles and consecutive 2-1 victories, with their tournament opening against host nation Switzerland being especially noteworthy. The opening match against Switzerland was not only a test of tactical mettle and mental strength but also a showcase of their ability to respond under pressure. Despite trailing early on, Norway showed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit by coming from behind to clinch a vital 2-1 win. This dramatic turnaround did not just set the tone for their group stage campaign, it also established a sense of belief that this team could go on to achieve something substantial this time around.

The momentum from the opening match carried over to their second group encounter against Finland. It was a tightly contested fixture, and for a long time, it appeared destined to end in a 1-1 draw. The two sides matched each other in intensity, and neither was willing to concede ground. However, the game’s defining moment arrived in the 84th minute when Caroline Graham Hansen delivered what was ostensibly a cross but turned into a moment of brilliance as the ball curled in off the far post, stunning the Finnish goalkeeper and sealing a memorable late victory for Norway. That goal wasn’t just a highlight reel moment; it also underscored the individual talent and spontaneous creativity within this Norwegian side, factors that can make the difference in knockout football.

Thanks to that dramatic win and Switzerland’s victory over Iceland in the same round of fixtures, Norway secured the top spot in Group A with one match still left to play. It was a significant achievement, demonstrating their efficiency and composure under pressure. The luxury of having already qualified for the quarter-finals gives the team a rare advantage going into their final group match. They can now rotate key players, test tactical setups, and manage fitness levels, knowing their place in the knockout stage is safe. More importantly, topping the group means they will face the runner-up of Group B, a theoretically more favorable matchup compared to facing the group winner.

At present, it appears that Norway’s next opponent in the quarter-finals will likely be Italy, with the match scheduled to take place in Geneva. However, with Group B still in flux, there remains the possibility that Spain or Portugal could end up finishing second and facing Norway. While this uncertainty does leave some aspects of preparation up in the air, Norway will certainly approach that fixture with the confidence that comes from a strong group-stage campaign.

Despite their quarter-final qualification already being secured, Norway will not be taking their final group match against the Netherlands lightly. There is both historical motivation and recent form to consider. The team is chasing a milestone—three consecutive victories in a single European Championship, something they last achieved in 2013, the year they made it to the final. Achieving that would not only cement their dominance in Group A but also enhance their momentum heading into the knockout phase. Additionally, facing a side like the Netherlands, a respected name in women's football, provides the perfect opportunity to test their mettle against top-tier opposition before the elimination rounds begin.

As the Norwegians prepare for their final group stage encounter, their situation contrasts starkly with that of Iceland, a team whose tournament journey has been filled with disappointment and frustration. Iceland entered the 2025 European Championship with hopes of finally breaking their group-stage curse, but unfortunately, the familiar pattern of early elimination has repeated itself. With two losses in their opening games, Iceland finds themselves out of contention even before the final round of fixtures in Group A.

Iceland’s campaign began in unfortunate fashion with a narrow 1-0 loss to Finland. That defeat was made even more bitter by the fact that they were reduced to ten players, a setback that hampered their chances and left them vulnerable. Despite putting up a spirited defensive effort for much of the match, the numerical disadvantage eventually told, and they walked away with nothing to show for their efforts. It was a dispiriting start and one that set the tone for what would follow in their second game.

The subsequent fixture against Switzerland turned into another frustrating affair. For long periods, Iceland looked as though they might grind out a draw, managing to keep the hosts at bay and frustrate their attacking efforts. However, the deadlock was broken in the 76th minute when Geraldine Reuteler found the net, dealing a psychological blow to Iceland, who had fought valiantly up to that point. As they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, they were caught out at the back, and Alayah Pilgrim added a second goal late on to secure Switzerland’s victory and confirm Iceland’s early exit from the competition.

This third successive group stage elimination at the Women’s European Championship will be a hard pill to swallow for Iceland. The team had harbored ambitions of finally reaching the quarter-finals, or at the very least, improving on previous showings by remaining competitive through to the final matchday. Instead, they join a small group of teams that have failed to score a single goal in the 2025 tournament, a statistic that underlines the extent of their attacking struggles and will likely haunt the squad and coaching staff alike.

Nevertheless, Iceland still has one more game to play in the group stage, and while there may be no chance of progression, pride remains a powerful motivator. Scoring a goal, or even securing a victory, would be a significant psychological boost and could help lay a foundation for future tournaments. Their last win at the Women’s Euros came back in 2013, coincidentally against the Netherlands, and while it has been more than a decade since that memorable 1-0 triumph, the team will be hoping to draw some inspiration from history as they prepare for their final group fixture.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming match against Norway is the recent history between the two sides. In their recent Nations League encounters, Iceland managed to hold Norway to a pair of draws, including a goalless match at home and a 1-1 draw in the return leg in May. These results suggest that despite their poor form in the current tournament, Iceland has the tactical know-how and familiarity to frustrate the Norwegians and potentially spoil their party. For head coach Thorsteinn Halldorsson, the final group match represents both a chance for redemption and an opportunity to restore some pride before departing the competition.

From a broader perspective, the differing fortunes of Norway and Iceland in the 2025 Women’s European Championship highlight the thin margins and competitive balance that define international tournaments. Norway’s resurgence is a testament to long-term planning, squad depth, and the ability to respond to adversity, while Iceland’s struggles remind us of the challenges faced by smaller footballing nations trying to make their mark on the continental stage. With Norway now looking ahead to a potential semi-final appearance and Iceland seeking a small consolation in their final outing, both teams will take to the pitch for one final group stage clash—each with different motivations, yet both determined to leave their mark.

As the knockout stages beckon, all eyes will be on Norway to see if they can build on their impressive group-stage performances and finally reestablish themselves as one of Europe’s elite women’s teams. For Iceland, meanwhile, the closing match offers a moment of reflection and a chance to end on a positive note, perhaps with the goal that has eluded them so far or even a long-awaited win. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to be a compelling encounter, rich with emotion, history, and the unyielding spirit of competition that defines the Women's European Championship.