Women's Euro 2025, Group C: Germany, Sweden on clash course

Day 3 Delivers Drama and Control at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025

A pivotal day in Group C saw tournament giants Germany and dark-horse Sweden both take control of their opening matches, while Denmark and Poland left the pitch with more questions than answers.

Sweden’s tactical patience paid off in a tight Scandinavian showdown, while Germany’s firepower proved too much for a spirited Polish debut. With knockout ambitions on the line and favorites already emerging, Day 3 showed just how fine the margins will be at Euro 2025.

Denmark 0 – 1 Sweden

Goal: Angeldahl (55’)

Sweden extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to ten matches, edging past Denmark in a tight Scandinavian clash. In a group that includes Germany—one of the tournament favorites—this result gives Sweden a crucial edge in the race to the knockouts.

Sweden Fish Start Strong

Sweden controlled much of the first half, but Denmark’s discipline and defensive structure made clear-cut chances hard to come by. Most of Sweden’s danger came down the right wing, with Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd making early waves. In just the second minute, she created the first real chance, beating her marker and squaring the ball into the box, where Angeldahl’s shot was blocked.

A similar sequence in the 17th minute saw Kaneryd again beat her defender and feed Blackstenius, who was denied by last-ditch defending. Sweden’s best chance of the half came in the 44th minute, when Angeldahl’s curling free-kick was pushed over brilliantly by Østergaard.

Guardian Angeldahl Strikes

After the break, Sweden stayed patient. Instead of forcing play, they recycled possession and waited for Denmark to open up. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute. After a turnover high up the pitch, Angeldahl played a quick one-two with Asllani and stormed into the box. With a composed touch and clinical finish into the bottom corner, she gave Sweden a well-earned 1-0 lead.

Sweden’s Missed Chances

Sweden had opportunities to seal the win. Blackstenius saw a close-range effort cleared off the line in the 62nd minute, and shortly after, Janogy missed a free header from six yards out. While Sweden stayed on the front foot, their finishing left the door open for a late scare.

Harder Chances for Denmark

Denmark’s only real attacking outlet was Pernille Harder. Isolated and double-marked much of the match, she nearly snatched an equalizer in the 81st minute with a thunderous shot from 20 yards that rattled the crossbar. It was the closest Denmark came.

Germany 2 – 0 Poland

Goals: Brand (52’), Schüller (66’)

Germany began their campaign with a commanding win, but it wasn’t without signs of rust in front of goal. Meanwhile, Poland made a strong impression in their first-ever appearance at the UEFA Women’s Euros.

German Pressure

Germany dominated possession and piled on the pressure from the opening whistle. Wingers Bühl and Brand repeatedly tested Poland’s flanks. Bühl fired wide early on, and Brand’s effort at the near post was saved well.

The best chance came in stoppage time of the first half when Dallmann’s cutback was blazed over by Schüller from 12 yards. Just before that, Germany suffered a blow with captain Giulia Gwinn limping off in tears after a defensive stop.

Strong Branding

Germany’s breakthrough finally came in the 52nd minute. A sharp switch of play ended with Wamser finding Brand on the right. The Real Madrid winger cut inside and curled a stunning finish into the top corner from outside the box—a goal worthy of opening their campaign.

German Wastefulness

Despite scoring two, Germany could’ve had four or five. Nüsken missed a header from three yards out and Schüller sent one over from six yards before finally scoring in the 66th minute, finishing a floated Brand cross at the back post.

Polish Spirit

Poland showed plenty of grit and glimpses of attacking quality. Pajor forced a save after a slick cut inside in the 57th minute, and with 10 minutes left, her powerful header was superbly tipped over by Berger. Despite the result, Poland’s play was a warning sign—they won’t be easy to handle going forward.