The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 is underway in Switzerland, and the opening match features Iceland against Finland in Group A. The match is taking place in Thun, Switzerland.
Both teams are aiming for a strong start to the tournament. This match marks their first competitive encounter since 1983. The game is especially crucial considering they are in a difficult group with Switzerland and Norway, increasing the importance of securing a win to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Iceland is making its fifth consecutive appearance at the Women's Euros. In the past, they have exited in the group stage in both 2017 and 2022. Their only appearance in the knockout stage was in 2013.
Finland, coached by Marko Saloranta, qualified through the playoffs and is also making their fifth EURO appearance. Historically, Finland reached the semi-finals in 2005 and the quarter-finals in 2009, but they have not advanced to the knockout rounds since then. At Euro 2022, they lost all three of their group matches.
Looking at the team news for Iceland, there are no major injuries or suspensions reported. Cecilia Rúnarsdóttir of Inter Milan is expected to start as goalkeeper. Key players in attack include Sveindís Jónsdóttir, who has scored twice in her last three international appearances, along with Hlin Eiríksdóttir and Agla María Albertsdóttir. Finland's Jutta Rantala has been dealing with a knee issue, but the team has been strengthened by the return of several key players from injury. Anna Koivunen is likely to be the starting goalkeeper. Linda Sällström, their all-time top scorer, is set to lead the attack.
Historically, encounters between Iceland and Finland have favored the Finns. In their qualifying matches for the 1984 Women's EURO, Finland won 3-0 at home and 2-0 in Iceland. More recently, Finland won a friendly match 2-1 in Reykjavik in 2023.
The match is being broadcast on ITV1 in the UK.