Why chaotic Norway and hosts Switzerland will set the tone for Euro 2025
Norway do not have happy memories of facing the host nation at major tournaments. At the last Euros, they were on the receiving end of the heaviest defeat in the competition’s history, demolished 8-0 by a rampant England. Then, at the last World Cup two years ago, Norway were stunned 1-0 by a plucky New Zealand side, a result that gave way to a disharmonious, chaotic campaign.
So, Norway have plenty to put right when they face hosts Switzerland in Basel on the opening day of Euro 2025.
Jamie Braidwood2 July 2025 06:58
Group A kicks off Euro 2025 as hosts Switzerland in action
The opening day of Euro 2025 sees Group A in action. Usually, the hosts would play the curtain-raiser, but it is Iceland and Finland who will instead have the honour of playing the opening match of the tournament in Thun.
After that, hosts Switzerland take on dark horses Norway in Basel, in what will be their toughest match of the group stage on paper. Norway have some of the world’s best attacking players, including Barcelona winger Caroline Graham Hansen and Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg, but they have fallen apart spectacularly at the last two major tournaments.
But if things click under English coach Gemma Grainger, they could certainly be ones to watch.
Euro 2025 opening fixtures
Iceland vs Finland, 5pm BST, ITV 1
Switzerland vs Norway, 8pm BST, BBC One
Jamie Braidwood2 July 2025 06:57
Good morning
After three years of waiting, Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland as holders England go in search of a second European crown and Wales make their major tournaments debuts.
The action gets underway on Wednesday with Group A, as Iceland and Finland play the curtain-raiser. After that, hosts Switzerland will be in action against tournament dark horses Norway at St-Jakob’s Park in Basel, which will host the final on Sunday 27 July.
Jamie Braidwood2 July 2025 06:55