Norway 2-1 Finland: Graham Hansen’s Late Strike Sends Norway to Euro 2025 Quarter-Finals
Norway became the first team to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals after a dramatic late goal from Caroline Graham Hansen sealed a 2-1 victory over Finland on Sunday.
The result, combined with Switzerland’s win over Iceland later in the day, confirmed Norway as Group A winners. Their opening-round victory over the Swiss ensures top spot due to a superior head-to-head record.
Despite the final scoreline, Finland were the better side for long spells of the match and will feel hard done by after dominating much of the play.
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Early Own Goal Gives Norway the Lead
Norway took the lead just 129 seconds after kickoff when Eva Nystrom inadvertently turned a low Graham Hansen cross into her own net, giving the Norwegians an early 1-0 advantage.
Finland responded with confidence, stretching the Norwegian defense with fluid attacking moves. Their pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Oona Sevenius, starting in place of Sanni Franssi, found the equalizer with a superb side-footed finish into the far corner following a misplaced pass from the Norwegian back line.
Finland Hit the Post, But Graham Hansen Has the Final Say
Gemma Grainger’s team continued to push after the break and came close to taking the lead when Eveliina Summanen unleashed a curling strike from the edge of the box, only to be denied by the post.
Despite creating more clear-cut chances and dominating possession, Finland were undone in the 84th minute when Caroline Graham Hansen, a standout for Barcelona, sent a cross into the box that drifted in off the far post, securing an unlikely win for Norway.
Norway Clinch Quarter-Final Spot
The victory sees Norway become the first team to book their place in the knockout stage, while Finland are left to rue missed opportunities. Norway will finish top of Group A regardless of the final round of results, thanks to their earlier win over Switzerland.
