Women’s Euro 2025: Norway fans unimpressed despite team’s 100% record

Norway have avoided a third successive group-stage exit from the Euros and will instead contest their first knockout match at the tournament since their 2013 final defeat by Germany.

They are on what is being called the favourable side of the draw along with Italy, England and Sweden, avoiding facing world champions Spain – as well as other strong contenders in France and Germany – until the final.

“Because of the group stage and the teams they played against, it would have been a big fiasco if they didn’t go through,” Christiansen added.

“That was the minimum they had to do. I think people would see the development of the team and be happy if they go to the semi-final.”

To do that they must overcome Italy, who have impressed in Switzerland and will contest their first Euros quarter-final since 2013.

The sides met twice in 2024, with both Euro 2025 qualifiers ending in draws.

“Norway know it’s going to be tough but they are quite positive now,” Christiansen said. “They know they have drawn against them twice last year and know the strengths between the two teams are quite similar. They think they have a good chance to go through.

“I feel they are riding a wave, they have momentum and avoided Spain in the quarter-finals. Instead they got Italy which in a way it almost seems they have some sort of higher powers with them.

“It feels Norway have the luck with them and I hope it stays there.”