Greg . 1 day ago

Norway regrets missed opportunities in devastating loss to Italy in EURO 2025

Norway forward Elisabeth Terland lamented her team's failure to capitalise on key moments after a late defensive error permitted Cristiana Girelli to score her second goal, sending Italy to the Euro 2025 semi-finals on Wednesday with a 2-1 win.

"I just think we didn't take our big moments, even though we possessed momentum, and they did," said Terland, who was presented in the second half to chase a second goal for Norway.

"It's those moments that win you the game, so unfortunately, it moved like that today.

"Norway looked like they possessed the edge as their Women's European Championship quarter-final moved toward 90 minutes with the score tied at 1-1, but Girelli's late header off a deep cross from Sofia Cantore dashed their hopes.

The 2013 finalists possessed gone behind when Girelli obtained her first goal early in the second half and their misery was compounded by captain Ada Hegerberg missing a penalty.

But when Hegerberg equalised in the 66th minute, the pendulum swung in favour of the Scandinavians, only for Italy to manage a late knockout strike.

"It was a first half in which Italy were best, but we enhanced ourselves in the second," said Norway defender Maren Mjelde.

"We possessed good control, and then suddenly they seemed to obtain a goal out of nothing.

"The Italians possessed targeted Norway's right flank all night with Cantore's precise delivery catching the Norwegian defence off protect.

"We knew that they were good at crosses and in the box, they obtained a lot of players in the box, and it's tough to stand here now," Mjelde said.

"I thought we'd obtain to 90 minutes and then maybe restart.

"Italy will confront the winner of Thursday's quarter-final clash between Sweden and England in Zurich.