Sweden topped group C after a stellar 4-1 win over Germany to secure their spot at the summit at Euro 2025.
Goals from Blackstenius, Holmberg, Hurtig and Rolfö cancelled out Brand’s opener for Germany in a dominate and controlled Swedish performance.
It was a battle for the top spot for the two sides. Sweden were top of the group going into the match on goal difference, after their 3-0 win over Poland. With everything still to be decided in group D, both sides went into the game hoping to be put themselves in the best position against whomever they place.
Sweden made several changes coming into this game. Magdalena Eriksson started her first match at the Euros, after dealing with a loading issue. She was one of five changes from head coach Peter Gerdhardsson. Eriksson was joined in defence by Hammarby youngster Smilla Holmberg. Fridolina Rolfö also made her first start of the Euros after coming back from an ankle injury. Hanna Bennison and Jonna Andersson completed the changes from the win over Poland.
In contract, Christian Wück made just one change from Germany 2-1 win over Denmark. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Laura Freigang replaced Linda Dallmann in the midfield, after substitute appearances in the other two group stage games. The game marked Freigang’s first ever start for Germany in a major tournament, despite making 41 appearances for her country.
The Lineups
SWE: Falk; Holmberg, Björn, Eriksson, Andersson, Angeldahl, Asllani, Bennison, Rytting Kaneryd, Blackstenius, Rolfö
GER: Berger; Linder, Knaak, Minge, Wamser, Nüsken, Senß, Bühl, Freigang, Brand, Schüller
The Action
An early test came for Jennifer Falk as Germany came out strong within 30 seconds. Jule Brand had the first shot on target but it was well saved. Soon after, Lea Schüller had a chance of her own, but it was sent well wide.
Kosovare Asllani tried to settle the Swedish nerves on the other end but dragged it wide of the intended target.
Germany hurt Sweden early on. After a good drive forward from Schüller, Carlotta Wamser placed a great ball into Brand who slipped it past Falk for 1-0 Germany. It was the first goal Sweden had conceded in the competition so far.
Germany continued the early pressure on Sweden. But it was Sweden who had the next laugh. Breaking on the counter, Asllani laid the ball off to Stina Blackstenius who drove into the box. The Champions League winner then slotted the ball past Ann-Katrin Berger calmly for 1-1.
Sweden then advanced on their momentum as Nathalie Björn collected the ball in midfield. She played the ball off to Holmberg on the wing. Easily getting the better of Sarai Linder, the fullback drove into the box. Despite Bühl catching up and trying to get the ball out from her feet, Holmberg got her shot away, scoring over Berger’s head at the tight angle.
It went from bad to worse for Germany as Johanna Rytting Kanyerd had a shot on Berger saved. The resulting shot for Sweden was blocked by Wamser with her hands. The right-back was sent off with a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity. On her starting return, Rolfö sent Berger the wrong way, slotting the ball home.
For all of Germany’s early dominance, Sweden had the upper hand after the penalty. The Swedes started to truly dominate the game, pressing hard and putting real pressure on Berger and her backline. Sweden controlled every aspect of the game, the tempo, the control, leaving Germany to quick snapshot moments that they quickly lose.
Second Half
Sweden started much the same as the first half. The side dominated play easily, forcing Germany well into their own half. Despite being down to 10, Germany grew into the game. Bühl attempted to create something on the counter but was snuffed out by the Swedish defence.
With a draw enough to see Sweden top the group, the side used the goal cushion to their advantage. They were happy to slow down play and control the tempo. Blackstenius had a header deflected wide by Janina Minge after a cross from Rytting Kanyerd. The resulting corner was messily hacked at by Filippa Angeldahl and was wide.
Giovanna Hoffmann was a spark in attack when she replace Schüller. However, the lack of support after sacrificing an attacker to bolster the defence meant she was quite isolated on the counter. Bühl had a good driving run into the centre but once again, she was unsupported and snuffed out. Like in their other games, most attackers for Germany came from Bühl or Brand, with Hoffmann in the centre to disrupt the Swedish backline.
But it was once again Sweden with the goal. Madelen Janogy passed the ball over the top to Rytting Kaneryd. The right winger passed it off to Lina Hurtig who casually pocked it home. The goal marked the most goals conceded by Germany in a European Championship, ever.
Selina Cerci looked to chip Falk as the clock ticked down. A great pass over the top from Berger met the Hoffenheim attacker far into Sweden’s half. Falk came out to claim but was unsucessful. Cerci’s chance, however, was well wide.
Germany had one last chance late on. The ball bounced around the box, with Minge and Hoffmann having chances. Falk pulled off a good save but the whistle blew for offside in the build up.
Euro 2025 shows Germany’s defensive vulnerabilities
It is no secret that Germany were defensive vulnerable coming into the tournament. After Sara Doursson announced her retirement, Bibiane Schulze Solano not yet returned from her ACL injury and Felicitas Rauch’s not being selected, the backline lacked real experience and depth. Then add in Guilia Gwinn’s injury and Wamser’s red card, Germany find themselves in a very tough spot going into the knockouts.
However, it is not just these points that make them vulnerable. The side have looked defensive flat for some time, especially in this game. Linder was easily caught out by Holmberg in the lead up to her goal, whilst Blackstenius easily split the defensive for hers. With the defence also looking dodgy against Poland and Denmark scoring a goal against Germany, the 2022 runner ups will need to solidify if they are going to go far in this tournament.
Depth on the bench for Sweden at Euro 2025
Whilst we have highlighted Germany’s vulnerability in defensive options, this game also highlighted Sweden’s depth in their squad. Starting the night with five changes, Sweden’s hold on the game at half time meant players like Rolfö and Björn could be subbed off with no issue at half time. In addition to that, players like Hurtig and Ellen Wangerheim got valuable minutes in the lead up to the knockouts.
Each of Sweden’s subs looked comfortable, and well tuned in the system. Younger players like Bennison and Holmberg looked good in the XI. No one looked out of place. It is a positive for Gerdhardsson’s side. Whilst a lot of conversations surrounded his older squad, it is good to highlight that despite him moving on, the side will be in a great spot when Tony Gustavsson arrives to take over.
The Halfway Line Player of the Match
For the player of the match, The Halfway Line have selected Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg. Handling Bühl for 90 minutes is hard for any defender. The 18 year old fullback made it look easy, keeping tight to the winger and not letting her have too much of her own way. In addition to her defensive actions, it was her goal that push Sweden ahead in the crucial moment in the first half.
In a side that is often criticsed for their older age, Holmberg is a true example of the wonders that is in the youth in Sweden. A supremely talented fullback, she is one of the bright sparks for the Swedish future.
You can read all of the latest news, analysis and opinion at Euro 2025 on The Halfway Line.
