Switzerland endured heartbreak in their opening match of Euro 2025 as they fell 2-1 to Norway in a dramatic contest in Basel. Despite an electric atmosphere at St Jakob-Park and a spirited performance, the host nation were undone by a mix of bad luck, missed opportunities, and crucial VAR interventions.
The evening had started perfectly for Switzerland, with Nadine Riesen giving the home fans a reason to dream midway through the first half. A flowing move down the left saw Riesen deliver a low cross intended for Smilla Vallotto. The teenager failed to control it, but Riesen followed through and tucked the ball past Cecilie Fiskerstrand to ignite the home crowd.
Switzerland had dominated much of the opening period, brimming with energy and purpose. Their wingers repeatedly exploited space behind Norway’s back line, and they created a flurry of early corners. Geraldine Reuteler struck the bar, and Lia Wälti, whose presence was felt throughout, kept the midfield ticking. However, for all their effort, they failed to build on their advantage.
Norway, whose recent tournament history has been marred by inconsistency, came out with renewed intent in the second half. Against the run of play, they equalised nine minutes after the restart. A corner, poorly dealt with by Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng, allowed Ada Hegerberg to head home from close range.
Just minutes later, Norway turned the game around. Caroline Graham Hansen, largely anonymous until that point, burst down the left and whipped in a cross towards Hegerberg. Defender Julia Stierli tried to cut it out but inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, silencing the Swiss faithful.
Norway had a chance to put the result beyond doubt when Reuteler handled the ball in the box. A penalty was awarded, but Hegerberg struck it wide. Switzerland were handed a lifeline and thought they had earned a penalty of their own when Riesen went down in the box. However, VAR intervened, ruling out the decision for a marginal offside earlier in the move.
The final stages were filled with frustration for the hosts, as Norway slowed the tempo and defended deep. Despite Switzerland’s late push, they couldn’t find a way through.
Though the result was bitter, Switzerland’s performance was far from disappointing. Without key players like Ramona Bachmann and amid concerns over Wälti’s fitness, they proved they can compete at the highest level. Their fight, energy, and connection with the home crowd suggest they will be a force in the group, with Finland and Iceland now fully aware of what awaits.
