The first day of the Euros did not disappoint, we saw a red card, an own goal and a missed penalty across the two games, and if that’s an insight to the rest of the tournament, then I can’t wait to see what’s instore!
Iceland v Finland:
The first half of the game started strong, both teams showed potential in front of goal, but at the end of the first 45 minutes, neither side had managed to break through. Kosola was a bright spark for the Finnish on Wednesday evening, creating the first chance in the 16th minute and continuing to make an impact throughout the rest of the game.
Iceland continued the pressure in the second half with efforts from Sigurdardóttir and Jóhannsdóttir saved. Unfortunately for Iceland, they played just over 30 minutes with only 10 players when Antonsdóttir received her second yellow card. Finland took advantage of this and Kosola broke through to score the first goal of the tournament. Iceland were unable to retaliate and get a goal back, the game ended 0-1.
ICELAND: Rúnarsdóttir, Jessen, Viggósdóttir ©, Sigurdardóttir, Vilhjálmsdóttir, Jóhannsdóttir, Eiríksdóttir, Antonsdóttir, Árnardóttir, Árnardóttir, Jónsdóttir
FINLAND: Koivunen, Nyström, Öling, E. Koivisto, Tynnilä, Kosola, O. Siren, Kuikka, Franssi, Sällström ©, Summanen
Switzerland v Norway:
After an injury ridden start for Switzerland with Bachmann and Buhler absent from the tournament and Walti’s availability in doubt, the Swiss got off to a strong start but Norway came from behind the seal the 1-2 win.
Switzerland started off well, giving their home crowd the opportunity to witness some early attacks. Riesen put the Swiss ahead in the 28th minute, after many opportunities from both herself and Beney getting forward. The energy within the stadium continued to be at an all-time high as a new attendance record was set for a Women’s football game in Switzerland at 34,063.
The second half started in a similar way until Norway won a corner which led to their equaliser. Bøe Risa’s delivery was met by Hegerberg who headed it into the back of the net, scoring her 50th goal for Norway. Just four minutes later, Stierli scored an own goal giving Norway the lead. Despite best efforts from Beney, the Swiss were unable to break through Norway’s defence, and fell behind to a 1-2 scoreline.
SWITZERLAND: Peng, Stierli, Ivelj, Maritz, Reuteler, Xhemaili, Riesen, Wälti ©, Vallotto, Calligaris, Beney
NORWAY: Fiskerstrand, Bjelde, Mjelde, Hansen, Bratberg Lund, Bøe Risa, Engen, Maanum, Graham Hansen, Reiten, Hegerberg ©
PHOTO CREDIT: UEFA, Sky Sports
WRITTEN BY: Piper Bradford-Reynolds
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