Riola Xhemaili etched her name into Swiss football history with a dramatic stoppage time winner as Switzerland reached the quarter finals of the UEFA Women’s European Championship for the first time, edging Finland 2-1 in a nail-biting Group A finale in Geneva.
With Switzerland on the brink of elimination and just five minutes of added time left to play, the ball was swung across the face of goal to the back post where Xhemaili, coming on as a substitute, calmly tapped home to spark wild celebrations and send the host nation through.
Heading into the match, the equation was simple. A draw would be enough for the Swiss to qualify in second place behind France, while Finland needed nothing less than victory to make the last eight. But the encounter remained cagey for large spells, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in a tense first half.
The breakthrough came late in the second half when Finland stunned the home crowd. A reckless challenge in the box by Viola Calligaris on Emma Koivisto handed Finland a golden opportunity, and Natalia Kuikka converted the resulting penalty with composure in the 79th minute, sending goalkeeper Livia Peng the wrong way.
As seven minutes of stoppage time were signalled, Switzerland threw everything forward in desperate search of a lifeline. The pressure paid off in the dying moments when Xhemaili arrived at the far post to steer in the decisive goal and secure a place in the knockout round.
Manchester City’s newest signing Iman Beney continued her fine form for the Swiss, showcasing versatility and maturity far beyond her 18 years. Starting at right back, she later moved into attack, providing an extra spark in the final third. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Livia Peng, who recently secured a move to Chelsea, stood out with several vital interventions that kept her team in the contest.
The numbers reflected Switzerland’s attacking intent as they registered 15 attempts to Finland’s six, with four shots on target. Possession was evenly split, but it was the Swiss who took their chances when it mattered most.
Switzerland’s reward for finishing second in Group A is a tough quarter final showdown in Bern on 18 July, likely against reigning world champions Spain. For Finland, who needed victory to stay in the competition, their Euro 2025 journey comes to an end.
