Norway 2-1 Finland: Crafty goal grants Norway the full three points and progression to quarter-finals | OneFootball

A late winner secured Gemma Grainger’s Norway a 2-1 victory over Finland, after an intense attacking match that saw the goalkeepers become vital.

The two sides entered this game level at the top of Group A, both having won their first game with a singular goal difference, though it was Norway who ended the evening on a high note, becoming the first team to confirm their progression to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals.

As it happened

Norway started quickly, scoring in just the 3rd minute after some impeccable build up work from Caroline Graham Hansen cleverly allowed the ball to enter the box, although it was an unfortunate own goal from Eva Nyström that put Norway ahead.

Finland applied pressure well after conceding, with one particularly impressive shot on target in the 15th minute stopped by Cecilie Fiskerstrand, who reached to tip the ball over the crossbar.

A perfect ball into the box from Vilde Bøe Risa in the 25th minute disappointed the Norwegian fans as Ingrid Engen struck the woodwork with her close range shot, and while a follow-up shot was, Finland’s Anna Koivunen claimed the ball and ended the attack.

That didn’t quash Norway’s momentum though, as just minutes later Koivunen was called on again to make a game-changing save that ignited a rapid counterattack, with Oona Sevinius restoring parity with a curling effort from the edge of the box.

They were level at the break, but Finland’s momentum noticeably improved following their goal, and the energy from their fans only boosted this. Norway made two changes going into the second half, introducing Lisa Naalsund and Signe Gaupset to the action, and these substitutions aided Norway greatly as they had a period of near-constant attack for the first five minutes of play.

But it was the woodwork that came to their rescue when Finland pushed forward, with the frame of the goal denying Eveliina Summanen in the 63rd minute Another hopeful cross was fired in almost immediately after, but once again failed to find the back of the net as Finland struggled to capitalise on their chances.

Norway found their way back into the swing of things, winning a corner in the 71st minute as their supporters’ chants echoed around the ground. They came close once again soon after; a remarkable acrobatic shot from Guro Reiten was met by a just-as-impressive stop by Koivunen. A prime opportunity was sent just above the crossbar by Graham Hansen following this – but her goal eventually came, as the Barcelona star slotted home with five minutes remaining to restore Norway’s lead.

Three points confirms Norway’s spot in the quarter-finals, though they won’t know until Matchday Three if they’ve done enough to top the group.

The lineups