Sweden and Germany will progress to the quarter-finals of EURO 2025 after beating Denmark and Poland respectively.
Germany’s place in the quarter-finals was confirmed tonight as Sweden beat Poland in the second Group C match of the evening. For Die Nationalelf, it was Sjoeke Nüsken and Lea Schüller who (somewhat controversially) cancelled out Amalie Vangsgaard’s strike. For the Swedish, it was Stina Blackstenius, captain Kosovare Asllani, and Lina Hurtig who slotted past Poland.
Thus, with matchday three now on the horizon, it is Germany and Sweden who will make their way into the EURO 2025 knockouts, with Sweden clinching the top spot on goal difference.
Germany prove their point
Despite one contentious penalty and one goal netted with Denmark’s Emma Snerle down with a head injury, it was a win Germany deserved. After a slow start with a goal scrapped and a penalty overturned, Christian Wück’s side emerged from the tunnel knowing something needed to change.
And change it did. Germany’s pace, composure on the ball, and sheer ability to keep possession in the second half meant once they were ahead, there was no way back for Denmark despite their strengths.
Regarding the continuation of play with Snerle clearly injured, Denmark manager Andrée Jeglertz expressed his dissatisfaction.
“If you get a player that has a serious head injury, my view is you need to blow the whistle, you need to take responsibility as the referee. I don’t understand why she doesn’t stop the game.”
Sweden see off Poland
It was a solid display from the Swedes as they put three past a resilient Polish outfit in Lucerne. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was of particular significance, completely dominating the right channel.
Debutants Poland did not go down without a fight, Kinga Szemik making some substantial saves until the dying moments. Their evening was perhaps epitomised when mere seconds from the final whistle, Ewelina Kamczyk’s stunning effort ricocheted off the woodwork.
The debutants can bow out with their heads held high. It could have been more than three, but it wasn’t. They showed up, and so did their supporters. Hopefully, Poland might find their first goal of the competition against Denmark on Saturday.
The Halfway OnLine
Signe Bruun was not messing about.
Jule Brand, everybody.
We applaud their dedication to the rainbow armbands.
Perhaps one for the Arsenal fans among you, dear readers.
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