Two Nordic stars kick off the Euros: Sveindis Jónsdóttir and Frida Maanum | OneFootball

When the first matches in Group A take place on Wednesday, July 2, the stage is also set for two of the big stars of this European Championship. Sveindís Jónsdóttir meets Finland with Iceland (6 pm), before Frida Maanum faces the hostesses from Switzerland with Norway (9 pm). What makes the two Nordic stars tick and why they could cause a stir on the first evening.

Island striker Sveindís Jónsdóttir

Already in the qualification with Iceland, Jónsdóttir was the top scorer with three goals. And how dangerous the 24-year-old can be in front of the goal, the Germans know exactly. After all, she played for VfL Wolfsburg for three years and scored a total of twelve goals in 58 games. Especially in memory is her substitution in the Champions League 2023/24 against AS Roma. The offensive player scored four goals in 25 minutes. Opponent Finland now has to prepare for such a show on Wednesday evening in Thun.

📸 Maja Hitij - 2024 Getty Images

Jónsdóttir's career began early. At the age of 14, she was in the Icelandic second division for Keflavík IF and quickly developed into a regular player. After five years, in which Jónsdóttir also managed to advance, she moved to Icelandic record champion Breiðablik Kópavogur and a year later finally to VfL Wolfsburg. After her loan to Sweden, she played three seasons with the wolves and continued to develop continuously.

Fast, athletic and a good throw-in

As a striker, Jónsdóttir switched to the right wing. "And I really enjoy that because I think I can use my speed even better there than up front. I love running up and down on the wing," she said. Paired with her athleticism and good shot, the 24-year-old is the star of the Icelandic team. Another unusual feature: her throw-in. It goes very far and can put opposing teams in trouble. When asked why she can throw so far, the Icelander didn't know the answer and only jokingly pointed to her large hands and long arms.

Jónsdóttir came to football at the age of nine when flyers were distributed at school. She tried it out and stayed. Football is even in the family. Jónsdóttir's uncle Þorsteinn Bjarnason was the national goalkeeper in Iceland in the late 1970s and 1980s. In an interview, Jónsdóttir said that she herself wanted to play in goal and had even tried it out. In the end, however, the storm became her best position, where the versatile player can use her athleticism and speed.

📸 Christof Koepsel - 2024 Getty Images

Whether Jónsdóttir can call up her potential at the EM will be shown. In the past, it was not always possible for her to play consistently well, and she was quickly thrown off track by mistakes. An injury also slowed her down in between. Currently, however, the Icelander seems to be fit, and perhaps her upcoming move to Angel City FC in the USA will give her a boost.

Norway's top scorer Frida Maanum

Just like Jónsdóttir for Iceland, Frida Maanum was Norway's top scorer in qualifying for the European Championship with seven goals. Maanum is not the only star in the Norwegian team alongside players like Ada Hegerberg or Caroline Graham, but perhaps the one who doesn't have the really big name yet. That could change during the European Championship.

The 25-year-old, who will celebrate her 26th birthday during the tournament, has been playing for Arsenal in the English league since 2021, previously she was under contract with the Swedish first division club Lingköpings FC for four years. There she gained her first experiences in the Champions League, which she then expanded with Arsenal.

Strong technique plus fighting spirit and endurance

In central midfield, the Norwegian is an important pillar who can work forward with high passing accuracy and good shooting power, but also takes on an important position defensively with good defensive qualities. Especially her technique has become very strong in recent years, and the 25-year-old is hardly stoppable on the ball. Paired with fighting spirit and endurance, Maanum is an unpleasant opponent.

📸 ANNIKA BYRDE

Maanum made headlines last year when she collapsed on the pitch during the League Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea and had to be treated for seven minutes with an oxygen mask. The won cup was later dedicated to her by Arsenal. Shortly thereafter, the Norwegian was doing well again, and there were no further incidents. If the 25-year-old is also at top level at the EM, she can become the decisive force in midfield for Norway, who can not only serve her teammates but also be a successful goal scorer herself. Against the Swiss, she will have the chance to prove her many qualities on the first matchday in Basel.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 VALENTINE CHAPUIS - AFP or licensors