Heavily favoured Germany were made to work for a 2-0 win over minnows Poland in their opening game of Euro 2025.
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Captain Gwinn left injured in 40th minuteGame goalless at half timeBrand chips in goal and assist Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPTELL ME MORE
Eight-time winners Germany came into the tournament scoring 26 goals in their last six Nations League games. Conversely, first-time finalists Poland lost all six of their games – including two defeats by the Germans – in the initial qualifying phase, making it to Switzerland through the play-offs.
Despite the gulf in pedigree, the Eaglesses frustrated their vaunted opposition in the first half, quashing Germany's attacks through resolute defence and exemplary organisation. Even with a crack squad of attacking threats including Jule Brand, Klara Bühl and Lea Schuller, Die Nationalelf failed to muster any serious threat on the Polish goal. The most dramatic moment of the half came when German captain Giulia Gwinn finally succumbed to an injury she picked up in a challenge with Ewa Pajor, leaving the field with tears in her eyes.
Perhaps spurred on by a rollocking from their coach Christian Wück, Germany showed more incision and purpose after the break. In the 52nd minute the deadlock was broken as Brand cut in from the corner of the Poland box, glided past a defender and slammed a thunderous effort into roof of the net.
The lead should have been doubled on the hour mark, as Sjoeke Nusken somehow failed to convert a delightfully floated Bühl cross from just two yards out. A few moments later, a well worked chance for Pajor, who fired a shot straight at Ann-Katrin Berger, served as a reminder that Poland still posed a threat should Germany continue to waste their chances.
Schuller heeded that warning. On the 66th minute Brand again cut in from the right, this time standing up a cross to the back post, where the unmarked Bayern Munich striker powered a bullet header past Kinga Szemik.
The spirited Poland side continued to search for a goal, with Berger again smartly saving from Pajor, this time from a powerful header of her own in the 80th minute.
AdvertisementTHE MVP
This gong very easily could have gone to Bühl on the opposite flank, but JuleBrand's wonderful finish and delightful assist were the telling moments of the game.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Germany's captain Giulia Gwinn has had rotten luck with injury over the years, missing the 2023 World Cup with a torn ACL. She appeared to catch her studs in the ground during a challenge with Pajor. Hopefully her tearful exit is not the result of another serious knee problem.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Germany can effectively book their passage into the knockout rounds if they can beat Denmark in Basel on Tuesday. Poland have another tough assignment, as they face off with Sweden in a must-win game in Lucerne.
