Hosts Switzerland Boost EURO 2025 Aspirations with Victory Against Iceland

In a thrilling contest at Stadion Wankdorf in Bern, Switzerland secured their first tournament victory since 2017, thanks to second-half goals from Geraldine Reuteler and Alayah Pilgrim, overcoming Iceland.

Both teams faced the pressure of needing a win following their respective defeats in the opening Group A encounters, which sparked an urgent response from Iceland. Just moments into the match, Ingibjorg Siguroardottir’s half-volley from within the box beat Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng, but struck the crossbar, denying Iceland an early advantage.

The relentless rain in Bern stifled opportunities for the remainder of the first half, but the tide seemed to turn when, in the 29th minute, Svenja Folmli expertly directed a header towards goal. However, joy turned to dismay as VAR intervened, disallowing the strike due to a clear foul on Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir during the buildup.

As the first half drew to a close, Iceland dodged another threatening moment when Iman Beney unleashed a powerful strike that hit the side netting, knocking out a camera positioned behind the goal—much to the Swiss team’s frustration as it was on the wrong side of the post.

Just as in the first half, Iceland nearly found the net again soon after the break, with Vilhjalmsdottir—who scored a hat-trick in the last encounter between these sides in April—smashing a fierce free-kick that once again hit the woodwork.

With the match heading towards the hour mark, new Manchester City recruit Beney almost broke the deadlock, testing Icelandic keeper Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir with a powerful header that required a solid save.

After a brief lull in action, Reuteler ignited the Stadion Wankdorf crowd in the 76th minute, confidently slotting home a precise pass from Sydney Schertenleib into the net past Runarsdottir.

Leila Wandeler quickly followed up with another attempt, but despairingly watched as her shot rattled the woodwork for a second time.

Switzerland sealed their victory right at the end of the match when substitute Pilgrim capped a swift counter-attack by smashing the ball into the bottom corner from distance in the 90th minute.

This crucial three points propel Pia Sundhage’s squad into second place in the group, ahead of Finland on goal difference, setting the stage for a decisive clash on Thursday. Meanwhile, Iceland’s defeat means they have been eliminated from the tournament, with only pride at stake in their final match against Norway, who have confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals.

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