Bitter four minutes: Switzerland gives away victory against ice-cold Norway

Goalscorer Ada Hegerberg (left) and Vilde Böe Risa celebrate after the goal to temporarily equalize the score at 1-1. IMAGO/Ulmer/Teamfoto

Even though the match wasn't the first of the European Championship, it was still declared the official opening match. And in this match, the host nation Switzerland fielded five Bundesliga players: Stierli (Freiburg), Riesen, Ivelj, Reuteler (both Frankfurt), and Vallotto (who is moving to Wolfsburg). Peng, who played for Bremen until recently and is now moving to Chelsea, also started in goal.

Norway also featured two Bundesliga players, Hansen (FC Bayern) and Bjelde (moving to Wolfsburg), while Gemma Grainger's team was otherwise filled with extensive international experience. Among those starting were Syrstad Engen, Hegerberg (Lyon), Graham Hansen (Barcelona), Reiten (Chelsea), and Maanum (Arsenal), all of whom currently play for top European teams.

Switzerland, however, got off to the better start, buoyed by the crowd from the outset. After an initial approach from Ivelj (8'), Wälti (15') and Reuteler (17') tried their luck from distance – Norway had also previously entered the opposition's penalty area for the first time (8'). After 24 minutes, Switzerland had their best chance so far through Reuteler, but his shot from around 20 meters hit the crossbar.

However, the lead followed shortly afterwards, and was well-deserved overall. A somewhat hesitant clearance by Bratberg Lund was converted by Riesen, who fired off the left inside post (28'). Switzerland remained closer to making it 2-0 than Norway was to equalizing, but Reuteler missed another good chance (35'). The halftime score was 1-0.

After the break, little happened at first, before Norway suddenly struck out of nowhere – twice. Peng, who had been confident in the air until then, looked shaky from a corner. Hegerberg responded by heading in from a free position (54'). Just a short time later, Stierli cleared a low cross from Graham Hansen into his own net (58'). A third goal almost came during this period, but Hegerberg was denied in a one-on-one by Peng (63').

Switzerland needed a few minutes to recover from the shock, but Reuteler again had a good long-range effort, which Fiskerstand again parried (66'). Shortly after, things got turbulent. A corner fell to Reuteler's outstretched arm. However, Hegerberg missed the resulting penalty (70'). In the immediate counterattack, referee Alina Pesu pointed to the penalty spot after a challenge between Riesen and Harviken in the other box. However, because there had been a slight offside position beforehand, the penalty was awarded – otherwise, the merits of the foul would certainly have been open to debate (72').

After a minute-long break – also due to a subsequent drink break – it was now Switzerland's turn. And the Swiss had a great chance after a fine through ball from Schertenleib through to Reuteler. Harviken threw himself in the way and deflected the ball for a corner (83'). At the other end, Bizet Ildhusöy appeared unmarked in front of Peng after a long ball – but her lob went wide (88') – before Beney had a clear shot for Switzerland after a weak cross clearance from Norway's goalkeeper Fiskestrand. However, she shot away Hansen, who cleared just before the line (90').

stadium	St. Jakob Park
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