Swizterland go through with 1-1 draw to Finland

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

Riola Xhemaili's stoppage-time goal created history as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the European Championship for the first time at the expense of Finland.

With five minutes remaining and the hosts' spot at Euro 2025 in danger, the ball was drilled towards the back post where substitute Xhemaili tapped home to send her country through.

Both sides started the game knowing avoiding defeat for the Swiss would take them through in second spot, while Finland needed all three points to progress from Group A.

After a first half that lacked any real attacking intent, Finland took the lead in the 79th minute through Natalia Kuikka's penalty.

Stade de Geneve was stunned after Viola Calligaris' reckless challenge on Emma Koivisto in the box resulted in a penalty and Kuikka rose to the occasion by sending Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng the wrong way.

Hearts were in mouths as seven minutes were added on, but the superb Peng in the Swiss net was in fine form.

But the Swiss piled forward and found that all-important goal to progress from Group A.

What was the main talking point?

Switzerland have qualified for the quarter-finals of a Euros for the first time, but were very nearly out.

The Swiss dream was minutes away from ending, but the hosts progress with a sea of red behind them.

Some of the group matches at Euro 2025 have lacked drama, intensity and entertainment at times but the host nation have brought that in their past two games.

An international tournament with the hosts in the knockout stage is undoubtedly better than one where they fall at the first hurdle.

The Swiss will need every supporter and every ounce of luck they can get in the last eight, with world champions Spain their likely opponents.

Which players stood out?

Switzerland celebrate Getty Images

Switzerland avoided becoming the third host nation to fail to qualify for the knockout stages at the Euros

Manchester City's new signing Iman Beney has been one of the shining lights for Switzerland in their opening two matches, and was on her game once again in Geneva.

At just 18, Beney has an impressive maturity and is able to play a number of positions - she started at right-back before moving on to the right of a front three in the second half.

Switzerland goalkeeper Peng has recently secured a move to Chelsea and it is clear why.

The 23-year-old looked assured as she snuffed out a number of Finnish attacks while filling her defence with confidence.

What are the standout stats?

  • Switzerland had 15 attempts on goal to Finland's six

  • Four of those 15 were on target while three of Finland's six troubled Peng

  • Finland were offside just once in the match

  • Possession was even between the two sides with Finland having 52% of the ball to Switzerland's 48%

What's next for both teams?

After finishing second in Group A, Switzerland will take on the winner of Group B - likely to be Spain - in their quarter-final on 18 July in Bern.

Finland have been eliminated.

Player of the match

G. Reuteler
8.36
15 N. Kuikka
8.00
3 E. Nyström
7.80
20 E. Summanen
7.80
4 R. Öling
7.67
5 E. Koivisto
7.60
9 K. Kosola
7.60
21 O. Sevenius
7.60
18 L. Sällström
7.60
8 O. Ahtinen
7.50
17 S. Franssi
7.50
13 O. Siren
7.40
6 J. Tynnilä
6.17
1 A. Koivunen
6.00
16 N. Lehtola
6.00
22 J. Rantala
6.00
19 M. Roth
6.00
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