Football fans across Europe and here in Kenya witnessed high drama in Geneva as Switzerland pulled off a last-gasp escape in the Women’s European Championship 2025. Riola Xhemaili’s injury-time equaliser kept Swiss hopes alive, knocking Finland out in a thrilling Group Stage finale.
For Kenyan fans following European women’s football—and especially those placing their predictions on Bangbet.com—this was a clash that reminded us why the beautiful game remains so unpredictable.
Let’s dive into how the drama unfolded.
First Half: Chances Go Begging for Both Sides
The Stade de Genève was buzzing as Switzerland, backed by a vocal home crowd, pressed forward from the opening whistle. Despite knowing a draw would see them through, the Swiss showed attacking intent, with Meriame Terchoun spurning a golden chance inside six yards, failing to connect with the ball.
Moments later, Sydney Schertenleib forced a brilliant save from Finland’s keeper Anna Koivunen, who tipped her shot wide, keeping Finland firmly in the contest.
Finland grew into the match, threatening from set-pieces. Oona Sevenius came close, heading goalwards only for the Swiss defence to scramble the ball off the line. Just before halftime, Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng produced a crucial reflex save after Eva Nyström nearly turned the ball into her net.
Second Half: Nerves Settle, Until Late Drama Strikes
After an intense first half, the match slowed down as both teams realised a single goal could mean the difference between quarter-final glory or an early flight home. Switzerland tried to seize the initiative, with Smilla Vallotto twice going close—first firing straight at Koivunen, then heading over from a superb Leila Wandeler cross.
But the turning point came in the 76th minute when Finnish forward Emma Koivisto was brought down in the box by Viola Calligaris. The referee pointed to the spot, and Natalia Kuikka coolly converted, firing down the centre to give Finland a 1-0 lead and momentarily put them on course for the quarter-finals.
Xhemaili’s Heroics: Swiss Fans Roar in Relief
As the clock ticked into injury time, Swiss fans were staring elimination in the face. But Riola Xhemaili had other ideas. In the dying seconds, she pounced on a loose ball in the box to tap home from close range, levelling the score at 1-1.
The final whistle blew soon after, confirming Switzerland’s progression to the quarter-finals and sending Finland heartbreakingly out of Euro 2025.
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