NEWS IN BRIEF - Women's European Football Championship: Finland wins opening match against Iceland 1-0

(sda) In the other match in Switzerland's Group A, Finland beat Iceland 1-0 in the Nordic duel. Katariina Kosola scored the first goal of the European Championship in front of 7,683 spectators in Thun.

Kosola rewarded herself for a strong performance. The 24-year-old, who plays in Malmö, Sweden, impressed with her dribbling and finishing. The winning goal was also a solo effort by the best player in the Finnish team, which was more convincing in terms of play than Iceland. However, compelling actions were rare – unless Kosola had her feet in the game.

The unlucky Icelanders had at least equal chances overall. Their counterattacks embarrassed the Finns several times. In the 75th minute, Sveindis Jonsdottir was denied from a good position. The striker, who plays for the USA, had shone twice as a strong provider in the first half. But those chances also went unused.

It was an unfortunate start to the European Championship for the slightly favored Icelandic women, who face Switzerland in Bern on Sunday. Their captain and defensive leader, Glodis Viggosdottir of Bayern Munich, had to be substituted at halftime due to an injury. And just under the hour mark, Hildur Antonsdottir was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in six minutes.

Iceland is under pressure after its defeat in the race for the two quarterfinal spots and ahead of its clash with Switzerland. Finland, on the other hand, is in good form after its first victory at a European Championship since 2009. The team will face Switzerland in the final round of the group stage next Thursday.

Switzerland will play its first match against Norway starting at 9 p.m.