Finland’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final Aspirations Suffer Setback with Close Defeat to Norway

Finland suffered a slender 2-1 defeat in Group A of the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship, courtesy of a late winner from Caroline Graham Hansen for Norway. With this victory, Norway advances to six points, closing in on a place in the Quarter-finals, while Finland stays at three points.

After managing to keep clean sheets in five of their last seven outings, Finland will be understandably frustrated to have conceded the opening goal to Norway just three minutes into the match in Sion.

Eva Nystrom inadvertently turned the ball into her own net after misjudging her footing while attempting to deal with Graham Hansen’s low cross.

Veteran forward Linda Sallstrom sparked the Finnish response, connecting with a half-volley that required a smart save from Cecilie Fiskerstrand at the near post.

Though Finland posed a threat in the attacking third, they were fortunate not to find themselves further behind as Norway hit the woodwork twice, just before Anna Koivunen made a crucial save to deny Ada Hegerberg.

Taking advantage of Norway’s inability to extend their lead, Finland snatched possession in the opposition’s half and created an opening for Oona Sevenius, who drilled a first-time shot into the top corner.

After drawing level, Marko Saloranta’s squad headed into the half-time interval with renewed confidence, prompting Gemma Grainger to bring on Signe Gaupset and Lisa Naalsund for the second half.

However, to Grainger’s dismay, it was Finland who registered the first shot on target after the break, as Katariina Kosola unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Fiskerstrand had to tip around the post.

The Fiorentina goalkeeper then made another impressive save, deflecting Eveliina Summanen’s goal-bound shot onto the far post, staving off the relentless pressure from their buoyant opponents.

Finland ultimately paid the price for their missed chances when Graham Hansen produced a moment of brilliance in the 84th minute. The Barcelona winger skillfully crafted space to send in a cross that deflected off the far post, breaking Finnish hearts.

Norway can secure a knockout stage berth if Switzerland manages to earn at least a point against Iceland later tonight. Meanwhile, Finland remains three points off the top, with their hopes for a Quarter-final place now resting on the outcome of their final group match against Switzerland on Thursday.