Switzerland's victory puts Norway in the quarterfinals early - Iceland eliminated

Thanks to a strong second half, Switzerland secured a 2-0 victory against Iceland, which is already eliminated after two defeats. For the hosts, however, everything is at stake on the final matchday.

Can opener: Geraldine Reuteler scores to make it 1-0. IMAGO/Shutterstock

Pia Sundhage made two changes to her Swiss team after the 1:2 defeat against Norway : Xhemaili and the new Frankfurt player Ivelj made way for Freiburg's Fölmli and Schertenleib.

Iceland, coached by Thorsteinn Halldorsson , also made two changes to their starting lineup following their 1-0 defeat to Finland : Antonsdottir, who had been suspended after receiving a yellow card, was replaced by Brynjasdottir, and Albertsdottir started for Eiriksdottir. Captain Viggosdottir was also available to play after being substituted for the opening match of the European Championship.

46 seconds until the first aluminum hit - and a goal taken back

It took a full 46 seconds for the first chance: After a long throw-in from Jonsdottir, Sigurdadottir hit the crossbar with a drop kick. The Swiss hadn't been able to clear the ball. After that, the game largely took place between the penalty areas, with inaccuracies repeatedly preventing decent opportunities. Players were repeatedly down on the ground – the match was intense on both sides.

Switzerland then scored the first goal: Viggosdottir deflected a Fölmli header into her own net. However, the goal was disallowed due to a previous foul by the Swiss player (31'). The Swiss then unsuccessfully attempted to push forward, but Jessen, following a Jonsdottir throw-in, found the back of the net for Iceland (41'). However, the hosts turned things up a notch in the closing stages: Schertenleib (45') and Beney (45' +3, hit the side netting) tried long-range shots.

Iceland hits the bar again - then Reuteler comes

The second half also began with a shot hitting the crossbar for Iceland: Vilhjalmsdottir's direct free kick grazed the crossbar (48th minute). Switzerland threatened in return through Fölmli (49th minute) – and then continued to push forward: Beney tested Runarsdottir with a header (59th minute). The match subsequently became intense, but evenly matched.

But one attack changed everything: After Wälti won the ball, Schertenleib fed the incoming Reuteler, who gave Runarsdottir no chance and scored to make it 1-0 (76'). Iceland, which needed at least a point to avoid elimination, was under pressure. This, in turn, opened up space for Switzerland, who suddenly appeared to be playing with much more confidence.

Pilgrim makes Iceland's European Championship exit perfect

Wandeler hit the crossbar in a quick attack (80th minute), Vallotto was stopped at the last moment by Anarsdottir (83rd minute), before Pilgrim, free in front of Runarsdottir, failed to score (88th minute). Shortly afterward, the substitute did better: After a cross from Wandeler, she finished with a deflected shot into the corner from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0 (90th minute), sealing Iceland's European Championship exit.

At the end of the group phase, both teams will be in action again next Thursday (9 p.m.). Switzerland and Finland will play for second place in the group, while Iceland will face Norway, who have already qualified thanks to Switzerland's victory.

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