The second round of the European Women’s Football Championship is about to begin. Host country Switzerland immediately faces a crucial match, potentially leading to elimination.
6:00 PM: Norway vs. Finland (Sion)
Norway spoiled the Swiss football party on Wednesday by winning 1-2 against the host country after trailing. As a result, the two-time European champion starts the match against neighboring Finland with an excellent starting position.
The Finns surprised on Wednesday with a victory over Iceland and can advance from the group stage for the first time since 2005. The winner of this match is most likely assured of a place in the quarter-finals. Last year, Norway convincingly won the European Championship qualifier against Finland (4-0).
Player to watch: Norwegian Ada Hegerberg (29) has been playing at the top of women’s football for years, and the Olympique Lyonnais striker showed why on Wednesday, even though she missed a penalty. With her refined technique, she easily puts her opponents on the wrong foot.
9:00 PM: Switzerland vs. Iceland (Bern)
Switzerland hopes to wash away the hangover from Wednesday’s defeat, and that may well be necessary. In the worst case, the European adventure in their own country could already be over after tonight. Then Norway and Finland must keep each other in balance, and Switzerland must lose.
With Iceland, Switzerland meets a tormented opponent. After the defeat against the Finns, the quarter-finalist of 2013 has something to make up for. The Icelanders have to do that without Hildur Antonsdóttir, who received a red card in the first group match.
Player to watch: It was a search for bright spots in the opening match against Norway for Switzerland, but Lia Wälti (32) was one of them. The midfielder usually shines at Arsenal, the winner of the Champions League, and must now keep Switzerland in the tournament.