Thun, Switzerland–Norway’s Signe Gaupset announced herself on the biggest stage with a sensational performance that helped secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Iceland at the Women’s Euros, completing a perfect group stage campaign for the Norwegians.
Making her first start of the tournament, Gaupset was unstoppable in the final third, netting twice and creating two more goals as Norway finished Group A with maximum points. However, what should have been a comfortable victory turned into a nail-biting finish as Iceland refused to go quietly.
Early Drama Sets the Tone
Iceland, playing for pride after their elimination was already confirmed, shocked Norway by taking the lead in just the sixth minute. Sveindis Jonsdottir pounced on a spilled save from Norwegian keeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand, giving Iceland their first goal of the tournament.
The lead lasted just nine minutes. Gaupset, one of six changes from Sunday’s 2-1 win over Finland, leveled with a perfectly placed low volley from a corner that found the bottom right corner in the 15th minute.
Gaupset Takes Control
The Norwegian winger wasn’t finished. In the 26th minute, she switched to her left foot and curled a beautiful drive into the opposite corner, showcasing the versatility that made her selection so inspired.
After the break, Gaupset turned provider, setting up Frida Maanum for Norway’s third goal just four minutes into the second half. The pair combined again in the 76th minute, with Gaupset’s creativity unlocking the Iceland defense once more for Maanum’s second.
THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Frida Maanum of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Frida Maanum of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Frida Maanum of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s third goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Fans of Iceland show their support during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Cecilie Fiskerstrand of Norway passes the ball whilst under pressure from Sandra Maria Jessen of Iceland during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Frida Maanum of Norway celebrates with teammate Signe Gaupset after scoring her team’s third goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Signe Gaupset of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir of Iceland celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s first goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) THUN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 10: Signe Gaupset of Norway celebrates with teammates Emilie Woldvik and Maren Mjelde after scoring her team’s first goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 10, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Late Drama Nearly Costs Norway
Leading 4-1 with six minutes remaining, Norway looked to be cruising toward their perfect group stage finish. But Iceland had other plans.
Hlín Eiríksdóttir pulled one back in the 84th minute, sparking a frantic finale. The drama peaked in stoppage time when substitute Marit Bratberg Lund was sent off for a clumsy challenge in the box.
Iceland captain Glodis Viggosdottir stepped up to convert the penalty, making it 4-3 and setting up a tense final few minutes. Norway held their nerve to secure the victory and top spot in Group A.
Switzerland Squeeze Through
The other Group A match saw hosts Switzerland come from behind to draw 1-1 with Finland, securing their place in the quarterfinals alongside Norway. The Swiss will be relieved to advance after a nervy group stage campaign.
Looking Ahead
Norway’s perfect nine-point haul from three matches establishes them as serious contenders for the title. Gaupset’s emergence as a key player could prove crucial in the knockout stages, where margins for error disappear entirely.
The quarterfinals await, and based on this performance, Norway will fear no opponent.
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