Norway triumphs in an epic clash with Iceland to seal qualification
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Thun will surely linger long in the memory of women’s-football fans. A particular highlight was the dramatic encounter between Norway and Iceland, which ended 4-3 in Norway’s favour. A match full of unexpected twists allowed Norway to keep a 100 % record in the group stage and cruise into the quarter-finals.
Pre-match line-up analysis
Norway – fresh faces and rest for key players
Having already secured qualification, Norway chose to rest star names such as Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten. Young in-form players got their chance in the starting XI, including Celin Bizet Ildhusøy, Elisabeth Terland and the phenomenal Signe Gaupset.
Iceland – determination despite elimination
Although they had lost to Finland and Switzerland, the Icelanders took the field with ambition, determination and the desire to leave the tournament with pride. The coach made several changes, bringing back the once-suspended Kátla Tryggvadóttir and Hildur Antonsdóttir, plus talented defender Sædís Heiðarsdóttir.
Minute by minute – excitement from first to final whistle
- 6ʹ – Sveindís Jónsdóttir put Iceland ahead.
- 15ʹ – Norway quickly responded: Gaupset levelled.
- 26ʹ – The same player struck again from distance to make it 2-1 Norway.
- 49ʹ – Frida Maanum confirmed Norway’s dominance with the team’s third goal.
- 66ʹ – Maanum scored again, lifting the score to 4-1.
- 84ʹ – Hlín Eiríksdóttir pulled one back for Iceland.
- 90ʹ+ – Glódís Viggósdóttir converted a late penalty, sealing the thrilling 4-3 final score.
Tactical approach – Norway’s wings prove decisive
Norway employed a tactic based on dynamic wing attacks, where players such as Terland and Graham Hansen (when on) dominated with technical skill and pace. Iceland opted for defensive play and quick counter-attacks, but ultimately lacked the finishing to cope with Norway’s offensive style.
Match heroines – the personal stories of Signe Gaupset and Frida Maanum
Signe Gaupset, born 18 June 2005 in Molde, already looks a future world star. She began at Rival, moved to Molde, then IL Sandviken (now SK Brann Kvinner). She became Brann’s standout during the 2022 Norwegian Cup and gained international acclaim with fine Champions League performances.
After the match she beamed: “It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this team. My goals are the result of the whole squad’s support and incredible chemistry.”
Less is known publicly about Frida Maanum, but her exploits speak for themselves. The Norwegian midfielder has long been pivotal for her national side, often deciding games at the highest international level.
Coach Gemma Grainger’s comments
Norway’s coach emphasised tactics and focus:
“We made changes at half-time that were crucial for increasing our attacking activity. Despite Iceland’s pressure we stuck to our strategy and concentration to secure the win.”
What did the victory bring?
Norway finish the group stage in first place, enjoying full comfort ahead of the quarter-finals, where their likely opponent will be Italy. Iceland leave the tournament with undisguised pride, having shown remarkable fighting spirit and ambition.
Everything suggests that Norway, with this squad and form, can confidently aim for further success. If they maintain focus and self-belief, their journey at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 could be long and thrilling indeed.
