Euro 2025 Daily: Hosts Switzerland keep knockout hopes alive

Switzerland's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the Euro 2025 championship received a significant boost on Saturday as they secured a crucial 2-1 victory over a resilient Iceland side. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, the Swiss team demonstrated grit and determination, especially in the second half. After falling behind to an early Icelandic goal, Switzerland equalized through captain Lia Wälti just before halftime. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when substitute Lara Schmidt netted the winner, sending the stadium into raptures and placing the host nation firmly on course for the tournament's latter stages. This vital win not only ignites the Swiss campaign but also injects immense confidence into the squad as they navigate the demanding group phase.

The result has significantly reshaped the dynamics of Group A. Switzerland now sits second in the group, three points clear of Iceland, with one match remaining. Their path to the quarter-finals looks clearer, though they will still need to perform in their final group stage fixture to secure their spot definitively. The win also applied pressure on the group leaders, who face a tough challenge in their next outing. The permutations for qualification are still intricate, but the Swiss now control their destiny, a position many host nations dream of achieving early in a major tournament. Their ability to respond to adversity and secure a late winner speaks volumes about their team spirit and tactical discipline under pressure.

Saturday's action across Euro 2025 delivered a full slate of captivating matches beyond Switzerland's triumph. In a highly anticipated Group B clash, defending champions England were held to a tense 1-1 draw by a formidable French side, a result that leaves both teams still vying for top spot in their competitive group. Meanwhile, in Group C, a surprising upset saw the Czech Republic clinch a narrow 1-0 victory against a heavily favoured Norway, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of this year's tournament and blowing their group wide open. The day also featured dominant performances from Germany and Spain, both securing convincing wins that solidified their positions atop their respective groups, sending clear messages to their future opponents. As the group stage progresses, every point and every goal is proving to be critical in the race for knockout berths.