Finland vs Iceland: Kosola’s Wonder Goal Wins Qualifier

Finland vs Iceland lit up the opening night of the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers as the Nordic neighbours produced a gripping, occasionally feisty contest in Tampere that swung decisively in favour of the hosts after a second-half red card.

Finland vs Iceland – how the drama unfolded

Finland vs Iceland began with relentless pressing from both sets of forwards, each aware that an early three points could set the tone for a tricky Group B campaign. The visitors nearly stunned the home crowd on eight minutes when Berglind Björg Þorvaldsdóttir headed just wide, but Finland’s back three soon settled, and possession began to swing their way.

Early chances, but no breakthrough

Captain Linda Sällström, winning her 120th cap, forced Telma Ívarsdóttir into a smart stop after 15 minutes, while Iceland carved a gilt-edged opening of their own when Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir blazed over from close range. Despite the end-to-end feel, neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, and murmurs of frustration rippled around the Ratina Stadium.

Turning point: Antonsdóttir sees red

Finland vs Iceland pivoted dramatically five minutes after the restart. Icelandic centre-back Hallbera Guðný Antonsdóttir, who had already been booked for a cynical tug on Sällström, dived into a late challenge on swift winger Katariina Kosola. Referee Stéphanie Frappart wasted little time in brandishing a second yellow, reducing Iceland to ten. The dismissal forced coach Þorsteinn Halldórsson into a defensive reshuffle, sacrificing forward Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir for extra cover at the back.

Finland pile on the pressure

Smelling blood, Finland pushed higher. Full-backs Emma Koivisto and Tuija Hyyrynen overlapped incessantly, while playmaker Ria Öling began to dictate from deep. Shots rained in on Ívarsdóttir’s goal: Elli Pikkujämsä clipped the bar from distance, and Kosola drew a fingertip save moments later. Crucially, Iceland’s ten showed admirable resolve, dropping into a compact 4-4-1 and attempting to counter through the tireless Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir.

Kosola decides Finland vs Iceland with a stunner

The breakthrough finally arrived on 72 minutes, and it was worth the wait. Picking up a square ball from Olga Ahtinen on the left-hand edge of the area, Kosola shifted onto her right foot and whipped an unstoppable shot into the far top corner. The strike, her third goal in five senior appearances, sent the 14,000-strong crowd into raptures and proved decisive on a night when clear-cut chances were scarce.

Iceland refuse to fold

Even a player down, Iceland refused to bow out quietly. Substitute Karitas Tómasdóttir twice threatened from set pieces, and with seven minutes remaining Jónsdóttir burst clear, only for Finland keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela to save bravely at her feet. The hosts’ nerve held, though, and two towering headers from the imperious Natalia Kuikka snuffed out late Icelandic corners.

What the result means for Euro 2025 qualifying

Finland vs Iceland was billed as a potential decider for second place behind group favourites Norway, and the 1-0 scoreline underlines just how tight this section may be. With three points secured, Marko Saloranta’s side travel to Oslo next month in buoyant mood, while Iceland must regroup before welcoming Switzerland to Reykjavík. Only the top two automatically progress, so every goal and card could prove pivotal.

Player of the match: Katariina Kosola

Kosola’s energy down the left was a constant thorn in Iceland’s side, and her wonderful winner capped a performance full of daring runs, clever touches, and a maturity that belies her 20 years. If Finland are to reach their fifth consecutive European Championship, the KuPS winger looks certain to play a starring role.

Key stats

• Shots: Finland 17 – 9 Iceland
• Possession: 62% – 38%
• Pass accuracy: 84% – 71%
• Red cards: Iceland 1 – 0 Finland
• XG: Finland 1.45 – 0.62 Iceland

Manager reaction

Saloranta hailed his side’s patience: “We knew Iceland would be physical and organised. Once the red card came, it was about keeping calm, stretching them, and trusting the quality of players like Katariina. She delivered.” Halldórsson remained upbeat: “Playing nearly 40 minutes with ten was always going to be hard. The group isn’t decided tonight.”

Next up

Finland face Norway on 11 April, then Switzerland in June. Iceland host Switzerland before a potentially decisive summer double-header against Norway.

Opinion: Statement win sets Finland’s tone

A single goal may separate these sides on paper, yet Finland’s controlled aggression and growing depth suggest they could emulate their 2005 semi-final run. For Iceland, discipline must improve, but their resilience with ten hints they remain genuine contenders for qualification. Kosola’s rocket underscores how a moment of brilliance can tilt an entire campaign.