Latest news with #RiolaXhemaili
Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
2025 Women's Euros Group Stage: Hosts And Favorites Advance, Netherlands Sent Home
Riola Xhemaili scored a decisive goal in stoppage-time to start an unforgettable party at the Stade ... More de Genève. (Photo by) A thoroughly entertaining group stage of the UEFA Women's European Championship drew to a close on Sunday night with the high-profile Group D rounding off the action. After over 10 days of action, half of the contestants have been sent home, while the other eight now enter the knockouts. Here are all the big stories and results from the first phase of the Euros: Group A: Hosts Advance in Dramatic Fashion Group A was expected to be the toughest to call this year, and so it proved. On paper, it might seem that Norway were by far and away the best team with three wins from three, but their performances hardly looked the part. In truth, Gemma Grainger's side were arguably fortunate to come away with all three points in each of their matches. Norway were second-best for the most part in the tournament opener against Switzerland, but managed to score twice in quick succession before the hour-mark to turn the scoreline around and come away with a 2-1 win. They did take an early lead against Finland, but were on the back foot for most of the match and needed some Caroline Graham Hansen magic late on to end up with the same scoreline. So, they were already through going into the final group game, which was a chaotic 4-3 win over Iceland. Iceland must feel quite hard done by to come away without as much as a single point, but their losses to both Finland and Switzerland set up an epic decider for second place. Besides the home advantage, Pia Sundhage's side had a minor edge on goal difference, which meant a draw would be enough for them. They still showed good intent for the most part, but grew nervy at the end and conceded from the penalty spot with just over 10 minutes on the clock. The visitors then fully sunk back in a bid to see out the win, but Riola Xhemaili scored a stoppage-time equaliser to take Switzerland through to the women's Euros knockouts for the first time ever! Group B: Spain Start Title Challenge In Style World champions Spain lived up to their billing as favorites in Group B. An emphatic five-goal win to start the campaign off was a statement of intent, though some signs of weaknesses would creep up thereafter. They allowed Belgium to equalize twice before running away with a 6-2 win, and even conceded first against Italy before quickly levelling and eventually turning it around in the second half. La Roja's attack is clearly irrestible when it clicks, but their defense has some weaknesses both against set-pieces and in a high line. Italy were successful in an open battle for second place, as they ground out a one-goal win over Belgium on their first matchday and only conceded very late on for a 1-1 draw against Portugal. The other Iberian team in the group needed a win on the final day to have any chance of advancing, but they instead suffered a loss to a tough Belgian side. Group C: Sweden and Germany Ease Through While all other groups went down to the wire, Group C was the most straightforward of the lot as Sweden and Germany sealed progression to the knockouts with a game to spare. The record champions started strong with a two-goal victory over Poland and then powered past Denmark to turn a deficit into a 2-1 win, while Sweden kept clean sheets against both of those teams and eased through. Still, there was something to play for on the final day. The top two battled over top spot in Zürich, with Germany scoring first but finding themselves trailing before the half-hour mark and a player short quickly thereafter. There was no coming back from that point, as Sweden came away with a resounding 4-1 win. There was only pride to play for in the other game, but Poland came away with a lot of it as they scored their first goals and got their first points at a major women's international tournament with a 3-2 triumph over Denmark. Group D: France Fly High, England Bounce Back Group D was set to be the most exciting one as it had three teams with some serious ambitions of winning the title. Defending champions England went up against France to kick their campaign off, and put out a subpar performance by all metrics in a two-goal defeat. They had some shaky moments at the back and hardly got anything to click in the attack, so big questions were being asked ahead of their crunch clash against the Netherlands. Some tactical tweaks and a slight attacking rejig saw the Lionesses bounce back in style with a resounding 4-0 win. Attacking star Lauren James, who had been rather anonymous in a central role in the opener, was the star of the show as she scored a brace after starting on the right wing. The Dutch were firmly outplayed and outclassed, as they could only muster four attempts including just one on target. The margin of that defeat left the Netherlands under pressure to get a big win over France on the final day of the group stage. Although they bounced back well after conceding first and had a lead going into half-time, their defense totally collapsed in the second period en route to a 2-5 defeat. Debutantes Wales lost to all three opponents, but they can still leave with their heads held high after scoring a couple of goals and making some unforgettable memories. Looking Ahead: Knockouts An exciting slate of quarterfinals will kick off with Norway taking on Italy in Geneva on Wednesday. The Azzurre will fancy their chances of reaching their first Euros semifinal since the turn of the century because Norway have often looked disjointed in their group games. The Group A toppers certainly have some star power, though, so that could be enough to see them through once again. A real titanic battle will follow between Sweden and England. Peter Gerhardsson's side scored eight goals and conceded just once as they took home all nine points in Group C, so they have really looked like a complete package. The Lionesses will need to be on their A-game and certainly avoid a repeat of their opening performance to keep their title defense going. Hosts Switzerland will face the toughest of tasks against world champions Spain, who look like an almost-impossible matchup for them. The Nati were able to pose some problems to opponents with a bit of fluidity in possession, but they will face a very different challenge against a side that is sure to dominate the ball. Spain's weaknesses seemed to be against strong physical forwards and in set-pieces, but Switzerland are not best set to exploit either of those issues. France and Germany will face off in the last of the quarterfinals, in which the Bleues should fancy their chances to reach a Euro semifinal for just the second time in their history. Their solid group stage performances coupled with Germany's heavy defeat against Sweden should give them the confidence they need to knock out the record champions.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Switzerland, Norway book Euro quarter-final berths
A stoppage-time goal for Switzerland in a frenetic atmosphere will keep the host-nation buzz going for at least one more week into the quarter-finals at the Women's European Championship. Switzerland's frantic wave of late attacks set up substitute Riola Xhemaili to level the score 1-1 against Finland in the second minute of added time in a tense end to Group A. Switzerland only needed a draw to advance ahead of Finland on goal difference but fell behind against the run of play to a 79th-minute penalty by Natalia Kuikka. 'We showed the whole world what Swiss people can do,' said Xhemaili, who was in the ideal spot in the goalmouth to divert a low shot by Geraldine Reuteler that was going wide. Switzerland will now play their first knockout game at a Women's Euros against the winner of Group B. That is likely to be world champion Spain, the standout team at Euro 2025 which has scored 11 goals in two games so far. Switzerland will get a full week of rest, though, to celebrate their achievement before worrying about the next challenge on July 18 in Bern. Norway's defender #04 Tuva Hansen and Iceland's forward #03 Sandra Jessen fight for the ball during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Group A football match between Norway and Iceland at the Arena Thun stadium in Thun on Thursday. AFP The Swiss and Finns were playing for the runner-up spot in Group A. Key for Switzerland to advance had been beating Iceland 2-0 after Finland managed only a one-goal win against the same opponent. The second goal against Iceland, in the 90th minute on Sunday, also sparked a fresh passion across the country for this Swiss team. 'The reason we are in the quarter-final is because we are the home team,' Switzerland coach Pia Sundhage said, praising the fans. 'I'm so, so proud of Switzerland and what the players have done so far. 'We are not finished yet.' Sundhage did not play safely for a draw on Thursday. Far from it. She sent on more attackers for the second half, including a forward line of three teenagers. The 19-year-old Leila Wandeler and 18-year-olds Sydney Schertenleib and Iman Beney stretched the Finland defense and energized the sold-out Stade de Geneve. Switzerland's all-time record goalscorer Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic went on as right wing-back and made a key block in the center of defense. The strategy was working and Switzerland dominated the second half until conceding a foolish penalty. When Emma Koivisto was tripped by Viola Calligaris it completed a clumsy passage of play in the Swiss penalty area. Iceland's Glodis Viggosdottir (centre) celebrates after scoring during the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun in Thun, Switzerland, on Thursday. AP It was all vindication for Sundhage, the 65-year-old coach who led the United States to two Olympic titles and the 2011 World Cup final, and led Brazil to a South American championship. Yet the storied veteran had seemed to be losing a bit of the Swiss public's faith in her plans for a young team after a winless six-game Nations League campaign this year. When the equalizing goal went in, Sundhage stood calmly next to the touchline as her players and staff leaped off the bench and onto the field. When the final whistle blew, she slowly turned to face the fans in the main stand, smiled and held her arms out wide, as if asking: 'Well, how about that?' 'These kinds of moments are very encouraging,' Sundhage said later, even making her think she can 'go on forever and ever.' Gaupset shines in Norway's win: Norway winger Signe Gaupset made the most of her first start at the Women's Euros, scoring twice and creating two more goals as her side beat Iceland 4-3 to make it three wins from three for the Norwegians, who had already secured victory in Group A. Despite Gaupset's tremendous offensive performance, the Norwegians endured a nervy ending as Iceland scored two late goals, including a stoppage-time penalty after Marit Breatberg Lund was sent off for a clumsy challenge. With Iceland playing for pride, having already been eliminated, Sveindis Jonsdottir netted their first goal at the tournament by reacting quickest when Alexandra Johannsdottir's header was spilled by Cecilie Fiskerstrand in the sixth minute. Gaupset, one of six changes from the side that beat Finland 2-1 on Sunday, cancelled out Iceland's opening goal by firing a low volley from a corner in at the foot of the right-hand post in the 15th minute, and 11 minutes later she fired a left-footed drive into the opposite corner to make it 2-1. Agencies
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Euro 2025: Switzerland riding wild emotions on and off the field into quarterfinals debut
GENEVA — Let's go crazy, Switzerland. The national women's soccer team is riding a wave of passionate support in a country where emotions are typically kept under control. Crucial goals like Switzerland got in the 90th and 92nd minutes of the past two games in sold-out stadiums helped unleash those strong feelings. 'We feel the whole of Switzerland behind us. It's unbelievable,' defender Viola Calligaris said late Thursday after a frantic finish to the 1-1 draw with Finland . The stoppage-time leveler by substitute Riola Xhemaili advanced the Swiss at the expense of the Finns — and earned the hosts a full week of anticipation before its first ever knockout game at a Women's Euros. The wait was a mighty long time — 41 years — and will end next Friday in Bern, likely against world champion Spain. It is what veteran coach Pia Sundhage asked of her players before the tournament, when there was much less public faith in their potential: 'You have to get crazy.' Sundhage saw in her first year in the job that good Swiss players were precise and correct but lacked the risk-taking to reach for greatness. 'Sometimes that is not good enough,' Sundhage, who coached ultra-confident United States players to win two Olympic titles, said in May. 'And that is scary for a Swiss player.' They look fearless now. The noisy crowds in Geneva on Thursday and Bern last Sunday — when Iceland was swept aside 2-0 by a late tide of attacks — have responded to their high-energy team. 'It is so much more fun to coach and play when you have a loud crowd,' Sundhage said in the glow of staying in the tournament. 'The reason we are in the quarterfinal is because we are on home soil.' The 65-year-old Swedish coach perhaps underplayed her own tone-setting role in the late drama. Switzerland needed only a draw with Finland to advance alongside Group A winner Norway on goal difference ahead of its opponent. Yet at halftime of a goalless game, Sundhage rejected caution and went for the win. She sent on 19-year-old Leila Wandeler and pushed forward 18-year-old Iman Beney to form an all-teenage attack with Sydney Schertenleib — top talents signed by Lyonnes, Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively. She brought on Switzerland's record goalscorer Ana-Maria Crnogorčević to play at right-back. Swiss play became faster, more fluid, chances were created and Finland scored only from a 79th-minute penalty that was recklessly conceded. Sundhage then put more attackers on the field, including Xhemaili who was in the Finland goalmouth in stoppage time to score by diverting in Géraldine Reuteler's shot. 'I just saw in everyone's eyes that we would still score this goal,' Reuteler said about the strike that kept Switzerland in Euro 2025. Was this the 'get crazy' moment Sundhage sought, she was asked. 'A little bit of a start, maybe,' she said. 'I try to lead by example. That's why Wandeler, she plays. Iman plays. Sydney Schertenleib plays. It's okay to make a mistake. They go in and they just play.' Finland's goalscorer Natalia Kuikka, the experienced Chicago Stars defender, also saw it. 'They clearly came to the game that they wanted to win and it kind of showed,' Kuikka said of the Swiss. A tournament veteran like Sundhage saw the positive signs in camp of what she called 'this phenomenal team coming together.' 'Since we went into the (tournament) bubble I think they've been louder,' she said. 'They are dancing and they are creating this energy which I think helps us when we go on the pitch.' 'It is so important to embrace that joy, that is all that matters. And we are not finished yet.' ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Euro 2025: Switzerland riding wild emotions on and off the field into quarterfinals debut
Two young fans hold a poster for Switzerland player Geraldine Reuteler with the words "You are a mega role model" as they walk towards the stadium for the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP) Switzerland head coach Pia Sundhage smiles at the end of the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland's Riola Xhemaili, left, celebrates after scoring her side's first goal during the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland fans hold pictures of Switzerland's Iman Beney during the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland players react at the end of the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland players react at the end of the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Two young fans hold a poster for Switzerland player Geraldine Reuteler with the words "You are a mega role model" as they walk towards the stadium for the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP) Switzerland head coach Pia Sundhage smiles at the end of the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland's Riola Xhemaili, left, celebrates after scoring her side's first goal during the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland fans hold pictures of Switzerland's Iman Beney during the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Switzerland players react at the end of the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Finland and Switzerland at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) GENEVA (AP) — Let's go crazy, Switzerland. The national women's soccer team is riding a wave of passionate support in a country where emotions are typically kept under control. Crucial goals like Switzerland got in the 90th and 92nd minutes of the past two games in sold-out stadiums helped unleash those strong feelings. Advertisement 'We feel the whole of Switzerland behind us. It's unbelievable,' defender Viola Calligaris said late Thursday after a frantic finish to the 1-1 draw with Finland. The stoppage-time leveler by substitute Riola Xhemaili advanced the Swiss at the expense of the Finns — and earned the hosts a full week of anticipation before its first ever knockout game at a Women's Euros. The wait was a mighty long time — 41 years — and will end next Friday in Bern, likely against world champion Spain. "You have to get crazy" It is what veteran coach Pia Sundhage asked of her players before the tournament, when there was much less public faith in their potential: 'You have to get crazy.' Advertisement Sundhage saw in her first year in the job that good Swiss players were precise and correct but lacked the risk-taking to reach for greatness. 'Sometimes that is not good enough,' Sundhage, who coached ultra-confident United States players to win two Olympic titles, said in May. 'And that is scary for a Swiss player.' They look fearless now. Fans and team in harmony The noisy crowds in Geneva on Thursday and Bern last Sunday — when Iceland was swept aside 2-0 by a late tide of attacks — have responded to their high-energy team. 'It is so much more fun to coach and play when you have a loud crowd,' Sundhage said in the glow of staying in the tournament. 'The reason we are in the quarterfinal is because we are on home soil.' Advertisement The 65-year-old Swedish coach perhaps underplayed her own tone-setting role in the late drama. Switzerland needed only a draw with Finland to advance alongside Group A winner Norway on goal difference ahead of its opponent. Yet at halftime of a goalless game, Sundhage rejected caution and went for the win. Top teenage prospects She sent on 19-year-old Leila Wandeler and pushed forward 18-year-old Iman Beney to form an all-teenage attack with Sydney Schertenleib — top talents signed by Lyonnes, Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively. She brought on Switzerland's record goalscorer Ana-Maria Crnogorčević to play at right-back. Advertisement Swiss play became faster, more fluid, chances were created and Finland scored only from a 79th-minute penalty that was recklessly conceded. Sundhage then put more attackers on the field, including Xhemaili who was in the Finland goalmouth in stoppage time to score by diverting in Géraldine Reuteler's shot. 'I just saw in everyone's eyes that we would still score this goal,' Reuteler said about the strike that kept Switzerland in Euro 2025. Was this the 'get crazy' moment Sundhage sought, she was asked. 'A little bit of a start, maybe,' she said. 'I try to lead by example. That's why Wandeler, she plays. Iman plays. Sydney Schertenleib plays. It's okay to make a mistake. They go in and they just play.' Advertisement Finland's goalscorer Natalia Kuikka, the experienced Chicago Stars defender, also saw it. 'They clearly came to the game that they wanted to win and it kind of showed,' Kuikka said of the Swiss. Joyous Swiss A tournament veteran like Sundhage saw the positive signs in camp of what she called 'this phenomenal team coming together.' 'Since we went into the (tournament) bubble I think they've been louder,' she said. 'They are dancing and they are creating this energy which I think helps us when we go on the pitch." 'It is so important to embrace that joy, that is all that matters. And we are not finished yet.' ___ AP soccer:
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Euro 2025: Switzerland riding wild emotions on and off the field into quarterfinals debut
GENEVA (AP) — Let's go crazy, Switzerland. The national women's soccer team is riding a wave of passionate support in a country where emotions are typically kept under control. Crucial goals like Switzerland got in the 90th and 92nd minutes of the past two games in sold-out stadiums helped unleash those strong feelings. 'We feel the whole of Switzerland behind us. It's unbelievable,' defender Viola Calligaris said late Thursday after a frantic finish to the 1-1 draw with Finland. The stoppage-time leveler by substitute Riola Xhemaili advanced the Swiss at the expense of the Finns — and earned the hosts a full week of anticipation before its first ever knockout game at a Women's Euros. The wait was a mighty long time — 41 years — and will end next Friday in Bern, likely against world champion Spain. 'You have to get crazy' It is what veteran coach Pia Sundhage asked of her players before the tournament, when there was much less public faith in their potential: 'You have to get crazy.' Sundhage saw in her first year in the job that good Swiss players were precise and correct but lacked the risk-taking to reach for greatness. 'Sometimes that is not good enough,' Sundhage, who coached ultra-confident United States players to win two Olympic titles, said in May. 'And that is scary for a Swiss player.' They look fearless now. Fans and team in harmony The noisy crowds in Geneva on Thursday and Bern last Sunday — when Iceland was swept aside 2-0 by a late tide of attacks — have responded to their high-energy team. 'It is so much more fun to coach and play when you have a loud crowd,' Sundhage said in the glow of staying in the tournament. 'The reason we are in the quarterfinal is because we are on home soil.' The 65-year-old Swedish coach perhaps underplayed her own tone-setting role in the late drama. Switzerland needed only a draw with Finland to advance alongside Group A winner Norway on goal difference ahead of its opponent. Yet at halftime of a goalless game, Sundhage rejected caution and went for the win. Top teenage prospects She sent on 19-year-old Leila Wandeler and pushed forward 18-year-old Iman Beney to form an all-teenage attack with Sydney Schertenleib — top talents signed by Lyonnes, Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively. She brought on Switzerland's record goalscorer Ana-Maria Crnogorčević to play at right-back. Swiss play became faster, more fluid, chances were created and Finland scored only from a 79th-minute penalty that was recklessly conceded. Sundhage then put more attackers on the field, including Xhemaili who was in the Finland goalmouth in stoppage time to score by diverting in Géraldine Reuteler's shot. 'I just saw in everyone's eyes that we would still score this goal,' Reuteler said about the strike that kept Switzerland in Euro 2025. Was this the 'get crazy' moment Sundhage sought, she was asked. 'A little bit of a start, maybe,' she said. 'I try to lead by example. That's why Wandeler, she plays. Iman plays. Sydney Schertenleib plays. It's okay to make a mistake. They go in and they just play.' Finland's goalscorer Natalia Kuikka, the experienced Chicago Stars defender, also saw it. 'They clearly came to the game that they wanted to win and it kind of showed,' Kuikka said of the Swiss. Joyous Swiss A tournament veteran like Sundhage saw the positive signs in camp of what she called 'this phenomenal team coming together.' 'Since we went into the (tournament) bubble I think they've been louder,' she said. 'They are dancing and they are creating this energy which I think helps us when we go on the pitch.' 'It is so important to embrace that joy, that is all that matters. And we are not finished yet.' ___ AP soccer:
