Germany Opens Women’s Euro 2025 With Confident Win Over Poland
Brand and Schuller secure 2-0 victory in Group C opener
Germany got off to a winning start at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, defeating tournament debutants Poland 2-0 in St. Gallen on Friday.
Second-half goals from Jule Brand and Lea Schuller ensured Christian Wuck’s side took all three points in their opening Group C clash.
Germany dominated possession, controlling nearly 75% of the ball in the first half, but were left frustrated at the break after missing several clear chances. Brand and Giulia Gwinn came closest, while Polish goalkeeper Kinga Szemik impressed with key saves.
However, Germany suffered a setback when captain Giulia Gwinn left the field in tears following an injury while stopping Ewa Pajor. She was replaced after an unsuccessful attempt to continue.
The breakthrough finally came seven minutes into the second half. Brand cut inside on the edge of the area and fired a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, beating Szemik.
Brand then turned provider, delivering a precise cross for Schuller to head home Germany’s second in the 66th minute.
Poland, ranked 24 places below Germany, showed resilience in their first major tournament match, with captain Pajor creating several opportunities but denied twice by Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger.
The Polish fans continued to sing proudly despite the defeat, celebrating their team’s historic debut at the Euros.
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Main Talking Point
Germany arrived at Euro 2025 under a new coach, with a fresh squad and high expectations. Tipped as a dark horse for the title, they handled the pressure well, showing their ability to combine dominant possession with attacking style. While not yet at their peak, Germany showed they can grind out results.
Standout Performances
- Jule Brand (Germany): Scored a spectacular opener and set up Schuller’s goal.
- Lea Schuller (Germany): Extended her remarkable record of scoring in four consecutive major tournaments (2019, 2022, 2023, 2025).
- Ewa Pajor (Poland): Lively throughout with four attempts, but unable to beat Berger.
- Sjoeke Nusken (Germany): Controlled the midfield with strong defensive and attacking work.
By the Numbers
- Germany’s first goal from outside the box at the Euros since 2017, ending a 14-game streak of scoring only inside the area.
- Poland became the 20th nation to play in the Women’s Euros, joining a list of seven out of the last eight debutants who lost their first match.
- Schuller scored in her fourth consecutive major tournament, a unique feat.
What’s Next?
Germany will face Denmark in their second Group C match on Tuesday, July 8, in Basel at 17:00 BST. Poland will look to bounce back against Sweden later that day in Lucerne at 20:00 BST.
Earlier on Friday, Sweden defeated Denmark 1-0 with a goal from Filippa Angeldahl, setting up an exciting Group C race.
