Report: Gaupset stars on first Norway start
Norway winger Signe Gaupset made the most of her first start at Euro 2025, scoring twice and creating two more goals as her side beat Iceland 4-3 on Thursday to make it three wins from three for the Norwegians, who had already secured top spot in Group A.
Despite Gaupset’s tremendous performance, the Norwegians endured a nervy ending as Iceland scored two late goals, including a stoppage-time penalty after Marit Breatberg Lund was sent off for a clumsy challenge.
With Iceland playing for pride, having already been eliminated, Sveindís Jónsdóttir netted their first goal at the tournament by reacting quickest when Alexandra Jóhannsdóttir’s header was spilled by Cecilie Fiskerstrand in the sixth minute.
Gaupset, one of six changes from the side that beat Finland 2-1 on Sunday, cancelled out Iceland’s opening goal by firing a low volley from a corner in at the foot of the right-hand post in the 15th minute, and 11 minutes later she fired a left-footed drive into the opposite corner to make it 2-1.
Gaupset heaped more misery on Iceland by teeing up Frida Maanum for Norway’s third goal four minutes after the break, and she set up Maanum for another in the 76th minute.
After dominating for much of the game, the wheels came off for Norway late on as Iceland battled bravely, scoring again through Hlín Eiríksdóttir in the 84th minute.
Substitute Bratberg Lund was sent off in stoppage time for a foolish challenge that resulted in a penalty which the Iceland captain, Glódís Viggósdóttir, fired home to make it 4-3, but the Norwegians held on to finish top of the group with a 100% record.
The Norwegians will be joined in the last eight by the hosts, Switzerland, who came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Finland and squeeze into the knockout stage.
Gaupset was hoping she had made a strong case to start Norway’s quarter-final. “I feel I’ve put in a good application, in any case. There’s a lot of good players and it’s up to the coaches to decide, but it was good to play today and show what I can do,” she said. “It was incredible and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, so it’s very big.” Reuters
Thank you for joining me for this match. Signe Gaupset gave her coaches something to think about before the quarter-final with two goals and two assists after Norway finished the group stage with three wins from three. Iceland, meanwhile, are going home with no points. The report is to come and we will see you tomorrow as Group B wraps up. See you then.
To catch up with all the action from the other game in this group, have a read of the report:
Norway rested three of their best players with Ada Hegerberg, Carolina Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten remaining on the bench. It will be interesting to see how the team go for the rest of the tournament with slightly shaky group stage outings.
Here’s a good read on England’s win yesterday:
Norway’s Signe Gaupset and Frida Maanum have both climbed the top scorer list, take a look at it here:
Norway’s quarter-final opponents are likely to be either Italy or Portugal, whoever is the runner-up in Group B will be determined tomorrow night.
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Iceland players look so upset. They already knew they were out after losing their opening two games but with Norway not at their best in this Euros, they may have fancied their chances of getting some sort of result. But they will rebuild.
In the other game it ended 1-1 and so the hosts Switzerland progress with their likely quarter-final opponents Spain. That will be confirmed tomorrow. It’s heartbreak for Finland, who have played so well in this tournament.
Full time: Norway 4-3 Iceland
Iceland broke the deadlock but Norway took control of the game after that point. Signe Gaupset was a star with two goals and two assists, while Frida Maanum scored two. Iceland grabbed two consolations but they will be unimpressed with their showing at this tournament, three games and three losses. Norway progress, their last eight opponents will be decided tomorrow.
90 + 7 min: The decision to pull Eiriksdottir is so stupid. The second yellow, and therefore a red card, she will miss the quarter. Why do it? Norway are already through. Another goal for Iceland would make no impact on their campaign.
PENALTY! Norway 4-3 Iceland (Viggosdottir, 90 + 5')
She slots it.
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RED CARD! Norway 4-2 Iceland (Lund, 90 + 5)
That is a second yellow and she is off. She will miss the quarter.
90 + 4 min: Lund has contact on Eiriksdottir but it’s a tricky angle. Will it be given? Yes it is!
90 + 3 min: Albertsdottir almost score again but her effort is just over the bar. There’s a penalty check here but again I am unsure for what. The referee is now going to the screen, usually that means it will be given.
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90 + 2 min: The other game had seven minutes added and Switzerland have taken full advantage with an equaliser. If it stays like this they will go through. Late drama.
90 + 1 min: There will be five minutes added.
87 min: Iceland retaining more ball now, why did they not play like this sooner? Yes Norway have been good but Iceland needed to throw more at this.
That all started from a fantastic run from Jonsdottir, she has a nutmeg on the way to pass it to Eiriksdottir who lobs the keeper.
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GOAL! Norway 4-2 Iceland (Eiriksdottir, 85)
A consolation.
84 min: A fun fact for you, the last time the hosts of a women’s Euros were dumped out in the group stage was in 2005. The hosts that year were England. Switzerland are heading for the same fate. In this game Norway continue to heap on the pressure, this is their most complete performance of the tournament so far.
82 min: Norway creep closer as substitute Jensen squares it across goal but no one is there to tap it in.
80 min: Norway are still pushing here as Maanum sends the ball over the bar. She is on for a hat trick remember.
78 min: Gaupset has now scored two and made two assists. Valuable player to have in this team, she will likely start from the bench in the quarter. In the other game Finland have scored a penalty which means if the scoreline remains as it is, 1-0, they will knock the hosts out.
It was almost identical from her last goal, it’s a controlled finish. That’s certainly now the game.
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GOAL! Norway 4-1 Iceland (Maanum, 76)
That’s two for Maanum.
75 min: She is back on which is a positive with Norway playing their quarter-final in just a few days time. Their opponents are yet to be confirmed.
73 min: Bizet is down and receiving treatment but I think she will be okay to continue.
71 min: I wonder if Hegerberg, Graham Hansen and Reiten will just be completely rested for this game? No shots of them warming up as of yet and this game is almost wrapped up.
69 min: Maanum has a lovely strike as Gaupset passes to her again but a good but of keeping sees Runarsdottir save. She concedes a corner and the delivery is good but Maanum’s effort it weak and clearerd.
68 min: The other group game is still at 0-0. If Finland are to progress they need to find a goal.
66 min: Norway continue to build but it comes to nothing but a foul on Jonsdottir with Lund getting a yellow card for it. The free kick is taken well but Norway clear easily.
64 min: I am struggling at the moment for highlights to bring you over the last two minutes. That’s the point we’re at in this game.
62 min: Terland is now off for Saevik. I would hate to be an Iceland defender when they ready Hegerberg and Graham Hansen to enter the fray.
60 min: Norway bumble it about in the box and they should have had a fourth but Runarsdottir collects.
58 min: Iceland players protest as Lund takes so long to take a free kick deep in their half but she eventually gets it underway. They progress up the pitch but it doesn’t come to anything.
56 min: VAR are checking for a penalty here, I am unsure when it occurred with no replays for us. But now the check is over and there is no penalty. Maybe we’ll never know what that was for.
55 min: My word, Jonsdottir almost scored an absolute screamer but it was just wide.
54 min: Jessen has a lovely run, she has had a good game for Iceland, and she squares it into the box but no one is there to pick it up.
52 min: I have to say I am so disappointed in Iceland’s performances at this tournament, I was expecting them to cause an upset or two and they just haven’t really got going.
Gaupset popped in a clever ball and Maanum tapped it home. It was well worked in the build-up be the whole team but it was a lovely one-two between Gaupset and Maanum.
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GOAL! Norway 3-1 Iceland (Maanum, 49)
A Maanum classic.
49 min: It comes in but Gudrun Arnardottir sees it out for a corner. It’s popped in by Bizet, with Boe Risa off the pitch, and it’s immediately out for another set piece. The second delivery is poor and Iceland clear.
47 min: Norway win an early free kick with a foul on Bizet.
Back underway: Norway 2-1 Iceland
Can Iceland get a result? Or will Norway make it three wins from three in this group? All to come. Norway have made half-time changes with Kielland on for Boe Risa and Harviken is off for Lund.
Keep this blog open but if you want regular updates from the other game, the Guardian have you covered with this blog:
The other group game in this group is between hosts Switzerland and Finland, which currently stands at 0-0. If it remains like this the hosts will go through.
Half-time: Norway 2-1 Iceland
Well Iceland opened the scoring with their first goal of the tournament but Norway responded well with two goals from young star Gaupset. The game is still up for grabs if Iceland manage to win more possession but the group leaders are in control.
45 + 1 min: There will be three minutes added, unsure where they have come from with limited stoppages.
45 min: The corner is taken short and then Bizet sees it out, that was a poor touch.
44 min: Gaupset is on for a hat trick and she also had it there. Bizet crosses it in but Viggosdottir defends well to take it away from Gaupset. Corner to come.
42 min: Sorry to report this game has not got any more lively. I wish it had but we’re still in the midfield.
40 min: The game has been drawn into a bit of a lull. A lot of play in the midfield and some loose passes slowing down some otherwise exciting play.
38 min: They work it into the box but Runarsdottir is wise to it. Iceland’s fans have gone silent now, just in the moment they really need to get behind them.
36 min: Viggosdottir receives a yellow card for a foul on Maanum and so Norway have a free kick.
34 min: Steven Mills has emailed:
Norway beating Iceland will not exactly be a huge Ga-upset.
I can’t even be mad at that because it’s quite clever. If anyone else has any puns send them in. On the pitch it’s more of the same, Norway having the majority of possession.
32 min: I think they are secretly reading my blog because I sent that post and then they had a chance in the box but just couldn’t thread the right pass together. A reminder also that Iceland have not won a women’s Euros game in 12 years and so there is a lot to play for despite them being knocked out already.
30 min: Iceland really need to respond now, they have been totally out of this game in the last ten minutes or so.
28 min: A reminder too that Gaupset is just 20-years-old and so we have years to come to watch her talent.
That was an absolutely beautiful strike. She whalloped it in from long range but Runarsdottir potentially should have done more to save that.
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GOAL! Norway 2-1 Iceland (Gaupset, 26)
Okay, she’s showing off now.
26 min: The delivery had a bit too much on it and so Terlamd can’t quite get to it.
25 min: What a great save from Runarsdottir as Norway thread the ball through the team and Terland launches a shot. The keeper sends it over the bar for a corner.
24 min: The other game in this group stands at 0-0 for those who are interested. In this one, Norway have taken control of possession but they haven’t landed a real blow since they equalised. Just as I type that though they fire one off but it’s deflected, no corner as Runarsdottir saved it.
22 min: Iceland fan Kari Tulinius emailed:
I’m counting on you for updates on this match. Where I’m watching, Finns outnumber Icelanders three to one, and the Finns made the good point that the other game matters. While that’s true, some of my fondest memories as an Iceland fan are from matches which didn’t matter competitively. I hope Iceland will do something worth remembering tonight. Scoring a goal was a good start.
Yes, while the game doesn’t ‘matter’ in terms of who goes through, it absolutely matters in terms of performance and pride. I think they have a good chance of winning this one. Despite Norway topping the group they haven’t been impressive.
20 min: Jonsdottir is having one of the games of her life right now. She is attacking and then suddenly she is up the other end defending.
18 min: Gaupset has been seriously impressive and Women’s Champions League fans will remember her stunning performance against Lyon when Brann drew 2-2 with the eight-time winners.
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First major tournament start for Gaupset and she scores. Boe Risa’s corner delivery was good and it was a one-touch finish from Gaupset, who won the corner to begin with.
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GOAL! Norway 1-1 Iceland (Gaupset, 15)
What a goal.
15 min: The camera angle there made it look like Gaupset had scored but it was well deflected. Corner to come.
13 min: Bizet loses control of the ball as Norway peels forward and another opportunity is squandered. Iceland’s fans are already getting the thunder clap underway.
12 min: Boe Risa’s delivery is repelled but it comes back in and out for another corner. The taker is the same but Runarsdottir plucks it out of the sky.
10 min: Norway have displayed defensive weaknesses all tournament and they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their group games. Can they respond? Well they have just won a corner and so they have the opportunity.
The check is long but it stands. It’s their first goal of the tournament.
The delivery is good and the first chance is saved well by Fiskerstrand and Jonsdottir slams the rebound home. It is being checked for offside.
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GOAL! Norway 0-1 Iceland (Jonsdottir, 7)
It’s in on the rebound.
6 min: Just as I say that Iceland have a chance. Two shots at goal, created by Jonsdottir, get saved and it’s out for a corner.
4 min: A very slow start to this one, I was expecting Iceland to come out firing a bit with absolutely nothing to lose but they are yet to thread a real passage of play together.
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2 min: I will also bring you any score updates from the other game, where Switzerland and Finland are vying for the final knockout spot in this group. Both teams finding their feet in this one.
Kick-off! Norway 0-0 Iceland
Here we go. Also apologies Iceland made three changes to their starting team. A reminder that Iceland have already been knocked out, while Norway have solidified top of the group.
The players are out and the anthems will be sung shortly, kick-off just a few minutes away.
I’d love to hear from you. In the UK we are in the middle of another heat wave. I have had several ice poles and have a fan blowing me but I am still so hot so please get in touch with cooling tip and tricks. And of course any thoughts on the football are welcomed.
Tuva Hansen, Norway defender, said:
I think everyone is really ready for the game. There are probably some tactical things we can work on and test out, so there are definitely opportunities in this match. But we’re not going into the game to lose, we’re going in to win.
Thorsteinn Halldórsson, Iceland coach, said:
It’s disappointing to be out of the competition. We have one game left, and we are going to play with our pride and play for our fans. It is different, but we always have something to keep fighting for. We go into every match to try to win. Even though we know it’s our last game, we are always playing for our fans. We want to finish this tournament in a good way.
Norway manager Gemma Grainger spoke about the team’s motivations for tonight’s match as they already know they have been knocked out of the tournament:
Iceland will want to put in a performance for their impressive travelling fans. For us it’s about finishing the group strongly and improving some of our performance aspects. We know we have a quarter-final waiting but the mindset hasn’t changed; it’s still one game at a time.
The other game in this group between hosts Switzerland and Finland kicks off at the same time as this encounter. So keep this blog open but open the one below in a new tab to keep track of both games:
Norway have made five changes to their starting XI from their 2-1 win against Finland. While Iceland make two changes to their team who lost 2-0 to Switzerland.
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I will tell you how many changes Norway have made momentarily but you can tell they have already qualified as stars like Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerberg are on the bench.
The team news is in.
Norway: Fiskerstrand; Woldvik, Mjelde, Harviken, T Hansen; Boe Risa, Maanum, Naalsund; Ildhusoy, Terland, Gaupset
Subs: Panengstuen; Mikalsen, Bratberg Lund, Østenstad, Engen, Sævik, Graham Hansen, Reiten, Bjelde, Hegerberg, Kielland, Jensen, Tryggvadottir
Iceland: Runarsdottir; Gudr Arnadottir, Viggosdottir, Sigurdardottir, Heiðarsdóttir; Johannsdottir, Vilhjalmsdottir, Antonsdóttir, Jónsdóttir, Jessen, Tryggvadottir
Subs: Ívarsdóttir, Birkisdóttir, B. Ágústsdóttir, Zomers, Brynjarsdóttir, Anasi, H. Eiríksdóttir, Albertsdóttir, Gunnlaugsdóttir, Gudn. Árnadóttir, Halldórsdóttir, Andradóttir
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the Group A match between Norway and Iceland. Both nations already know their fates in this tournament but that will not influence both of their wants to take all three points in this game.
Norway have already sealed top of the group with narrow 2-1 wins against Switzerland and Finland. The hosts and Finland are playing one another at the same time as this kick-off, at 8pm BST, to decide who gets the other knockout place.
That is because Iceland lost both of their opening game which knocked them out of the tournament. They will be determined not to come away with three losses at the major tournament. Norway have had far from perfect performances too so Iceland will feel they have a chance to ruffle the group leaders’ feathers.
The team news for this encounter will drop shortly so stay tuned ahead of kick-off at 8pm BST.
