Katariina Kosola scored the only goal of the game as Finland’s 16-year wait for a win at a European Championship ended against Iceland at the Stockhorn Arena.
The winger’s smart 70th-minute finish came after Iceland’s Hildur Antonsdottir was sent off to swing the opening match of the tournament in Finland’s favour.
After a cagey first half, the Group A clash opened up after the break, with the best chance coming in the 54th minute.
🇫🇮 Finland get off to a winning start! #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/xDLUVX1tpo
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A long throw by Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir caused a scramble in Finland’s box, with Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir’s shot being blocked off the line by goalkeeper Anna Koivunen to keep the game goalless.
But in the midst of the confusion, Iceland’s Antonsdottir made contact with her studs on Eveliina Summanen in what was deemed, after a review, to be deliberate rather than an attempt to win the ball and she was shown a second yellow card.
Iceland adapted and played on the break to continue their momentum despite the numerical disadvantage.
Gudrun Arnardottir’s failed backheel attempt after 67 minutes saw their next big chance go begging.
But eventually Finland made use of the extra space to grab the winning goal 20 minutes from time.
Summanen found the unmarked Kosola on the left-hand side of the box and she cut inside before producing a curled effort into the top-right corner.
