Red cards, penaltys and controversy: Day one of the Women’s EURO 2025 Delivers Drama

Published on 3 July 2025 at 10:58

It was the first day of the women's Euros, and it was a hot one off and on the pitch. You had red cards, VAR penalties, and boos all in one day, so let's get started.

 

The first game of Finland vs. Iceland saw the first goal of the tournament. Katariina Kosola struck a stunning curling shot into the top corner in the 70th minute, securing Finland's first Euros victory in 16 years and ending an eight-game tournament win drought.

 

Iceland was reduced to 10 players when captain Hildur Antonsdottir received a second yellow card just before the hour mark.

 

The match, held in Thun, featured a record-breaking 29 shots in an opening game, 16 from Finland, 13 from Iceland, the highest since Opta began tracking in 2011.     

 

 

The second game proved to have even more drama. Switzerland, the hosts, lost 1-2 to Norway in Basel after an unusual opening ceremony.

 

The home crowd erupted as they scored first through Nadine Risen in the 28th minute.

 

Norway came back in the second half scoring a set piece where recently most of their goals come from. Ada Hegerberg, the first ever women's Ballon d’Or winner headed home the equalizer and minutes later forced a Swiss own goal.

 

Then Norway was awarded a penalty due to a clear and obvious handball and they could have ended the game there and then. Hegerberg shot it low and wide of the goal giving Switzerland a chance.

 

The home side had a VAR call but the foul was ruled off due to being off-side and their not being much in it.


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