Swiss Scores Late, Defeats Iceland

After the host nation fell to Norway in their group stage opening match, the Swiss needed to get a result to put them back on positive terms for the ability to advance into the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Euros. They did so by defeating Iceland by a final score of two goals to nil, and with this victory, they will now have a do-or-die match against Finland in the final group stage game.

In the 76th minute, the Swiss make an attacking run down the middle of the pitch. Lia Walti in midfield made a nice pass to Sydney Schertenleib, then she found Geraldine Rueteler at the far side. As she received the ball and entered the area, Rueteler took a hard diagonal shot that curled inside the back post, and Switzerland finally got on the board and with the lead.

In the 90th minute, Switzerland needed one more tally to put this match away, and they got it on a big counterattack after stopping an Icelandic corner. Leila Wandeler, attacking with the ball down the far side, saw her fellow substitute Alayah Pilgram and crossed the ball toward her. Pilgram settled it, made a move, and took a shot that deflected off the right arm of the defender and into the back of the net.

Earlier in the match, there were plenty of opportunities for both sides to convert their chances, but both Livia Peng of Switzerland and Cecila Runarsdottir of Iceland did a great job stopping the chances from both sides when they had the ball. Solid positioning proved to be difficult to solve until Switzerland finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute.

There was a moment where Switzerland did score, and many thought they broke through, but with the help of VAR, that goal was wiped out due to a foul that was committed before the header pass was made for the shot. Woodwork was also in play for both sides as each side hit the crossbar, a goalkeeper’s best friend.

Now Iceland will attempt a win over Group leaders Norway, while the host nation will battle with Finland for second place in the group and hope to join Norway in the Quarterfinals. So far, this UEFA Women’s Euros has been exciting and a lot of fun to watch as the action is non-stop. Can this group of women find a way to make it into the knockout stage of the tournament and make a run? We shall see.