Ada Hegerberg Inspires Norway to Opening Win Over Switzerland

Ada Hegerberg proved once again why she is European football’s most feared finisher, striking a crucial first-half equaliser that set Norway on course for a tense 2-1 victory over host nation Switzerland on the opening night of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.

Ada Hegerberg Leads Norway’s Comeback

St. Jakob-Park in Basel was rocking when the tournament hosts stormed in front after just nine minutes. Ramona Bachmann’s clever reverse pass released Alisha Lehmann, whose low cross was bundled home by Géraldine Reuteler to ignite a sea of red-and-white flags. Switzerland’s relentless press pinned Norway deep, and Ada Hegerberg often dropped into midfield to earn her side breathing room.

Against the run of play, Norway wrestled back momentum on 28 minutes. Caroline Graham Hansen ghosted past Viola Calligaris down the right and delivered a teasing centre. Ada Hegerberg, timing her movement perfectly, arrived between two defenders to power a trademark header inside the near post. It was her 48th international goal and the strike that sapped Swiss belief.

Own Goal Decides a Frantic Second Half

Both coaches insisted on front-foot football after the break, and the contest opened up. Bachmann forced Aurora Mikalsen into a fingertip save, while Frida Maanum rattled the bar from distance. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when Guro Reiten’s inswinging corner ricocheted off the shin of Swiss captain Lia Wälti and spun agonisingly over the line. VAR confirmed the own goal, leaving Switzerland chasing the match.

Norway’s Tactical Tweaks Pay Off

Hege Riise’s willingness to switch to a 4-4-2 diamond proved pivotal. By positioning Ada Hegerberg alongside Sophie Roman Haug, Norway stretched the Swiss centre-backs and created pockets for Graham Hansen to exploit. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Ingrid Engen at the base of midfield shackled Bachmann’s creativity, limiting Switzerland to speculative efforts.

Swiss Resilience Comes Up Short

Switzerland threw on Ana-Maria Crnogorčević and young star Noelle Maritz, switching to an adventurous 3-4-3. The home crowd roared as Reuteler’s looping header grazed the roof of the net and Crnogorčević blasted wide from close range. Ada Hegerberg, dropping deep to help her team retain possession, showcased her underrated hold-up play in the frantic finale. Five minutes of stoppage time felt like an eternity for Norwegian supporters, but Mikalsen’s safe hands sealed a precious three points.

The Ada Hegerberg Effect on and off the Pitch

Beyond her goals, Ada Hegerberg’s aura carried Norway through choppy waters. Her constant communication kept a youthful back line composed, and her post-match comments reflected a seasoned leader: “We suffered early, but belief never left us. This group is hungry for more,” she told reporters, every word swallowed up by the travelling fans draped in blue.

Key Match Statistics

• Possession: Switzerland 54% – Norway 46%
• Shots on target: Switzerland 5 – Norway 6
• Expected Goals (xG): Switzerland 1.2 – Norway 1.5
• Passing accuracy: Switzerland 84% – Norway 82%
• Fouls: Switzerland 13 – Norway 11

Group B Outlook

The victory vaults Norway to the top of Group B ahead of Finland and Iceland, who meet tomorrow. Riise’s side face Finland next, aiming to secure early qualification for the quarter-finals. Switzerland must regroup quickly before a must-win clash against Iceland in Bern. Head coach Inka Grings struck an optimistic tone: “We showed character; one moment swung it away from us. Our journey is far from over.”

How Ada Hegerberg Shapes Norway’s Title Dreams

With Ada Hegerberg fully fit after previous injury-blighted campaigns, pundits tip Norway as dark horses to lift the trophy for the first time since 1993. Her partnership with Graham Hansen, plus the midfield dynamism of Maanum, provides a spine capable of troubling any defence. Yet defensive lapses like the one that gifted Switzerland their opener cannot be repeated against heavyweight opposition.

Tournament Context

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 is the first to feature 16 teams hosted across multiple Swiss cities, and Friday’s opener set new attendance records with 38,215 fans packing Basel’s renovated arena. The electric atmosphere underlined the rapid growth of the women’s game, a movement Ada Hegerberg has championed since her high-profile stand for equal pay in 2017.

What They Said

• Ada Hegerberg: “It feels special to score in front of such a crowd, but winning for Norway is bigger than any personal milestone.”
• Caroline Graham Hansen: “We trust Ada. Give her half a chance and she finishes. Simple.”
• Lia Wälti: “The own goal hurts, yet our belief remains. We owe the supporters a response next match.”

Next Up for the Stars

Norway vs Finland – 25 July, Zurich
Switzerland vs Iceland – 25 July, Bern

Opinion

Norway’s narrow victory was a testament to grit and the undeniable class of Ada Hegerberg. Still, their habit of conceding early could derail a genuine title bid. Shore up the back, keep feeding Ada, and the Scandinavians might just rewrite Euro history.