Graham Hansen’s late winner downs Finland and puts Norway into last eight | OneFootball

Norway became the first team to reach the knockout stages of Women’s Euro 2025 after grinding out a 2-1 victory over a courageous Finland. Caroline Graham Hansen’s late winner in Sion broke Helmarit hearts after Oona Sevenius had cancelled out Eva Nyström’s unfortunate early own goal. Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Iceland in the late game sealed their passage into the quarter-finals.

It was Norway’s experience that eventually told when their decorated vice-captain struck in the 84th minute against the run of play.

“Every player in this team is important,” their head coach, Gemma Grainger, said. “Caro today with the individual brains to get the goal and then [the rest of the team] for the work they put in. We’re a very together team. We understand where our strengths are.”

“The most important thing is that you get the three points. At this level, at this tournament, the games are so competitive. You’re not going to have every moment of every game … we found a way to win and I am very happy to be sat here with the three points.”

It had been a turbulent evening for Norway, who continue to frustrate. It proved a far from convincing outing once again as they struggled against hard-working opposition who dominated much of the encounter.

Finland have been one of the surprises of so far. The lowest-ranked team in Group A have looked good with their midfield press and their ability to break at pace, backed up by their energetic wingbacks, Katariina Kosola and Emma Koivisto.

Marko Saloranta made one change. Sevenius is among several promising young players and the Rosengard forward came in for Sanni Franssi. Grainger also retained 10 players from Norway’s unconvincing win over Switzerland, with Mathilde Harviken replacing Maren Mjelde in central defence.

Norway started brightly enough and found early joy. With the first attack of the game, the ever-dangerous Graham Hansen ghosted past Joanna Tynnilä before sending a low ball in to the danger area. Aware that Frida Maanum was lurking behind her, Nyström stuck out a leg to send it unwittingly into her own net.

Saloranta’s side, however, were determined not to let that moment dictate the rest of the match. Their packed midfield, anchored by Eveliina Summanen and inspired by tireless Oona Siren, gave Norway little joy. They controlled 67% of possession in the first 25 minutes, an indication of their growing confidence. Cecilie Fiskerstrand was the first of the two goalkeepers to be truly tested, producing a fingertip stop to deny an instinctive half-volley from Linda Sällström.

Norway had chances of their own. Ingrid Engen crashed a header off the bar before Anna Koivunen tipped a Vilde Bøe Risa corner on to a post. The Finland keeper then made a superb save from Ada Hegerberg.

Finland were worthy of their equaliser when it did eventually come. Splitting open the Norway defence, Siren fed Sevenius, who sent her shot flying into the net. The celebrations from players and coach alike said it all as Saloranta danced down the touchline in delight.

A clearly frustrated Grainger rang the changes at half-time but Finland continued to press forward. When they reflect on this one, they will surely rue their missed opportunities.

With Finland’s energy levels dipping, Norway saw the opportunity to go for the jugular. The warning signs were there when Graham Hansen inexplicably skied a shot from inside the box. She was not going to make the same mistake twice and when she was afforded space with just six minutes remaining, she floated in what looked like a cross that clipped the far post and went in.

Header image: [Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/AP]