Finland kicked off their Women’s Euro 2025 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Iceland in Thun, thanks to a stunning goal from Katariina Kosola and a second-half red card for Iceland’s Hildur Antonsdottir. Kosola’s 59th-minute strike, cutting in from the left to fire a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Cecilia Runarsdottir, proved decisive after Antonsdottir was dismissed for a second bookable offence just moments earlier.
The match turned in the 59th minute when Antonsdottir received her second yellow card for a stamp on Evelina Summanen. While replays suggested the contact might have been accidental, the referee deemed it worthy of a sending-off, leaving Iceland to play the final half-hour with ten players. Despite the setback, Iceland created several chances after the red card, with substitute Agla Maria Albertsdottir forcing a fine save from Finland goalkeeper Anna Koivunen, but they could not find an equaliser.
Kosola was named player of the match, with UEFA technical observers praising her as “extremely dangerous in the attacking third” and noting her defensive contribution. The win puts Finland top of Group A, marking their first victory in a European Championship finals match in 16 years. Iceland will look to bounce back in their next fixture as they search for their first points of the tournament.
The match was played at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun, Switzerland, with hosts Switzerland set to face Norway later in the day. Finland’s disciplined performance, particularly after the red card, ensured they held on for a crucial three points in their quest to progress from the group stage.
