Finland Gears Up to Face Norway in Quarter-Final Showdown

A second victory in two matches at the 2025 UEFA European Championship could see Finland on the brink of a Quarter-final berth. Today’s encounter with Norway promises to be a significant challenge, yet the Finnish squad is confident they can secure an upset.

Finland kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 triumph over Iceland on Wednesday, marking their first EUROs win since 2009. In contrast, Norway edged past host nation Switzerland with a 2-1 win in Group A.

This evening in Sion, one team will see their unbeaten run come to an end. Although the Boreal Owls have only managed to beat Norway on one occasion previously, head coach Marko Saloranta made it clear that his team has their sights set firmly on victory. “We are genuinely going for the win.”

“I’m extremely excited. I had confidence before the Iceland match, and that belief remains just as strong. All our preparation and decisions are geared towards achieving a win,” he conveyed to Helsingin Sanomat.

Saloranta has indicated that he will be adjusting his starting eleven, stating, “Changes will be made; we must share the load. We have three challenging fixtures in just nine days, and the conditions are demanding. No player can perform at their peak for 90 minutes three times in a row.”

Finland capitalised on their opportunities in the last match, finding the net 20 minutes from the end, especially after Iceland was reduced to 10 players. Ahead of the clash with Norway, he has reiterated his wish to see more precise attacking from his team.

“It took us a while to settle. We had ample possession in the penalty area, but we need to convert more than just one chance from those situations. That’s been a major focus for us. It’s both a team matter and an individual one. It’s about how we perform in front of goal—how quick and decisive we are.”

Finland will rely on their forwards, like Jutta Rantala, to help engineer an upset in Sion. Recently back from injury, she’s keen to make an impact on her team’s journey.

“After my injury, I’ve had limited playing time, so I just want to make the most of the minutes I spend on the field. I aim to regain my confidence and assist the team in progressing from the group,” she said.

Rantala shares her coach’s optimism, even when facing the formidable talents of Norway. “Norway boasts some exceptional players. I’d classify them as our toughest opponents in this group. However, I believe we can match them in every aspect of the game, create challenges for them, and score goals.”

Despite the planned changes, midfielder Eveliina Summanen is eager to contribute again, stating, “Since the Iceland match, we’ve had some rest and productive training sessions. I feel completely prepared for Norway, and I trust that my teammates feel the same.”

“Norway might be a stronger team than Iceland, but our confidence from that first win has grown, and we are absolutely ready to take them on,” she added.

If Finland secures a win against Norway, a draw or an Iceland victory in the upcoming Switzerland vs Iceland match would ensure their place in the last eight with one game left to play.