In the final group games of the 2025 Women's European Championship, Switzerland faced Finland in a decisive match that ended 1-1. Switzerland initially appeared to be heading to the quarterfinals but fell behind after Finland's Natalia Kuikka scored a penalty. However, a stoppage-time goal from substitute Riola Xhemaili allowed Switzerland to advance, marking their first progression past the group stage in a European Championship. Finland performed admirably throughout the tournament despite their elimination.
The final whistle of this decisive Group A match -- which ended as a 1-1 draw -- brought with it the most brutal encapsulation of the agonies and ecstasies of football at the elite level.
While the Switzerland players collapsed to the turf in elation, their Finnish counterparts had their heads in their hands.
For 79 minutes, it was Switzerland who looked to be headed for the quarterfinals. For 13 minutes after that, it was Finland who had one foot in the knockout stages after Natalia Kuikka's coolly taken penalty.
This is a momentous achievement; the first time Switzerland has ever made it out of their group at a European Championship.
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