MATCH CONTEXT
EURO 2025 kicks off in style as host nation Switzerland takes on two-time champions Norway at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. The weight of expectation rests heavily on the Swiss shoulders, playing in front of a home crowd desperate for progress past the group stages a feat they’ve never accomplished. After a turbulent run of eight games without a win, new coach Pia Sundhage is under pressure to spark a turnaround.
On the other side, Norway arrives with pedigree and purpose. They boast the star power of Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen, but question marks linger over their defensive stability after patchy form throughout 2025. Having beaten Switzerland twice in the Nations League earlier this year, they enter with psychological edge — but opening night pressure is a different beast.
KEY BATTLES & TACTICAL INSIGHT
Midfield Supremacy: Lia Wälti vs Frida Maanum
The heartbeat of both teams. Arsenal teammates turned rivals, these two will control the rhythm. Wälti’s composed distribution versus Maanum’s box-to-box dynamism could define tempo.
Wings of War: Crnogorčević/Schertenleib vs Reiten/Graham Hansen
If Switzerland are to threaten, they must find width and pace — but Norway’s full-backs and wide midfielders are a menace going forward. Expect battles down the flanks, with tactical shifts likely mid-game.
Striker’s Spotlight: Hegerberg vs Swiss Backline
Ada Hegerberg thrives on service and space. With Bachmann injured, Switzerland’s attacking burden rests on others — meaning they might sit deep and invite pressure, making defensive discipline essential
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CH SWITZERLAND
- Lia Wälti: Captain, controller, calming force. Leads by example, excels in passing under pressure.
- Ana-Maria Crnogorčević: Most capped player in Swiss history, known for her powerful runs and aerial prowess.
- Sydney Schertenleib: Young starlet offering pace and unpredictability in transition.
CH NORWAY
- Ada Hegerberg: Fit and firing again. 43 international goals, EURO veteran, clinical finisher.
- Caroline Graham Hansen: Creative maestro from Barcelona, capable of turning the tide with one magical run.
- Guro Reiten: Chelsea midfielder with a knack for arriving late and producing moments of brilliance.
RECENT FORM & STATS
Head-to-Head (Last 5): Switzerland W1, Draw 1, Norway W3 — recent wins in Nations League
Switzerland: 1W – 2D – 5L (last 8) | Struggling to find cohesion they have scored only one goal in their recent competitive fixtures, while netting four goals against Czechia in their last match, which was a friendly.
Norway: 3W – 2D – 3L (last 8) | Clean sheets rare but attack producing consistently.
PREDICTION OR FINAL THOUGHT
It’s a clash of pressure vs pedigree. Norway, on paper, have the firepower and recent dominance. But Switzerland’s crowd could be a 12th player. Expect a cagey start, but if Norway’s midfield clicks, they could break Swiss resolve.
Women Football Zone Insight: “Hegerberg is ready. Graham Hansen is loose. But don’t blink a Swiss surprise might just set EURO 2025 ablaze.”
Predicted Score: Switzerland 1- 2 Norway ⚽
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