BERN, Switzerland — A dramatic stoppage-time goal secured Switzerland a 1-1 draw against Finland on Thursday, propelling the host nation into the knockout stages of the Women’s Euro 2025 for the first time in its history. The landmark achievement has captivated the country, marking a pivotal moment for a sport still striving for mainstream recognition.
The national excitement was palpable hours before the decisive match in Geneva. Supporters crowded train platforms in Zurich for the 150-mile journey, creating a sea of red and white. In Geneva, a giant billboard featuring the players and the slogan “Give dreams a chance” greeted the arriving fans, who later marched to the stadium by the thousands.
This outpouring of support stands in stark contrast to the modest state of domestic women’s football in Switzerland. The national AXA Women’s Super League remains semi-professional, with average attendance last season at just 489, a fraction of the 6,662 seen in England’s Women’s Super League.
“I have a lot of hope,” Swiss captain and Arsenal midfielder Lia Wälti said this week. “I think we’ve come far in Switzerland in the last couple of years, especially now with hosting the tournament, but we still have a long way to go.”
On the pitch, the team’s advancement was hard-fought. After a strong start from Switzerland, with Barcelona’s Sydney Schertenleib and Géraldine Reuteler creating early chances, Finland grew into the tense affair. The visitors appeared to deliver a knockout blow late in the second half when Natalia Kuikka converted a penalty after a foul by Viola Calligaris.
But roared on by a passionate crowd of over 26,000, Switzerland found a late lifeline. Two minutes into stoppage time, substitute Riola Xhemaili scored a precious equalizer, sparking euphoric celebrations in the stadium. At the final whistle, the players embarked on a lap of honour, cementing the powerful connection with their fans.
The night’s success underscores the remarkable progress of women’s football in the country. The tournament’s mascot, a Saint Bernard puppy named Maddli, is a tribute to Madeleine Boll, Switzerland’s first licensed female player. In 1965, Boll was mistakenly issued a license to play in a men’s youth game, causing an international sensation before the Swiss Football Association revoked it.
Today, an estimated 30,000 young women play for around 800 teams across the nation. With the national team now writing a special new chapter in its history, that number is poised for significant growth.
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