The 2025 Women's European Championships begin at the Stockhorn Arena in Switzerland on Wednesday evening, as Iceland face Finland.
The two nations have been housed in Group A, where they will also come up against Norway and host nation Switzerland.
Iceland have been a regular mainstay on the continental scene since making their debut in 2009, qualifying for the subsequent three editions in 2013, 2017 and 2022 respectively.
Thorsteinn Halldorsson’s team will arrive at the tournament in pretty decent shape, losing just three of their last 12 matches in competitive competition.
As for Finland, they produced some spirited performances at Euro 2023 but ultimately bowed out at the group stage.
Marko Saloranta’s side stamped their ticket to this summer’s showpiece after holding their nerve to claim a 2-0 success in their two-legged play-off tie with Scotland at the tail end of last year.
How the bookies view it: Iceland to keep their cool
The bookies expect Iceland to hit the ground running on Wednesday evening, with Halldorsson’s side 5/6 favourites on Boylesports. Given that this contest pits the highest-ranked side in the group against the lowest, Iceland look worth siding with at the aforementioned price.
Meanwhile, Finland are unfancied 3/1 outsiders on Boylesports, while a share of the Stockhorn Arena spoils has been priced up at 12/5 with the same oddsmaker.
Head to head: Advantage Iceland
The two nations have met just four times previously, with Iceland taking top honours on two occasions either side of a goalless draw. However, the most recent meeting was a friendly fixture back in 2023, with Finland running out 1-0 winners on that occasion.
Players to watch: More joy for Jonsdottir?
Sveindis Jonsdottir has scored in three of her last four outings for club and country, including a strike against Serbia in Iceland’s final warm-up fixture for Euro 2025. The former Wolfsburg forward stands out for a goal or an assist here at 7/5 with Bet 365.
With over 80 caps for her country, Finland will look to Ria Oling for inspiration throughout their campaign. The all-action midfielder is as big as 7/2 (Bet 365) to either score or to provide an assist during Wednesday’s curtain-raiser.
Predicted line-ups
Amanda Jacobsen Andradottir has been deemed fit enough to take her place in the Iceland squad despite being a major injury doubt in the lead up to the tournament.
Finland’s hopes of reaching the knockout round for the first time since 2009 will be boosted by the return of injured duo Jutta Rantala and Natalia Kuikka, both of whom missed the recent Nations League campaign.
Iceland: Ivarsdottir, Heioarsdottir, Sigurdardottir, Viggosdottir, Heidarsdottir; Antonsdottir, Johannsdottir, Jessen; Vilhjalmsdottir, Jonsdottir, Kristinsdottir
Finland: Koivunen; Koivisto, Kuikka, Nystrom, Lehtola; Siren, Ahtinen, Oling; Sevenius, Sallstrom, Kroger
Anything else catch the eye?
The 7/4 that can be found in Boylesports’ Correct Scores Group market for Iceland to win either 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 looks well worthy of support in what could be a cagey opener in Group A.
This bet would have paid out in each of Iceland’s last two competitive victories.
What’s more, Finland have lost by one of the above-mentioned scorelines in each of their last two defeats.
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