Germany start campaign with a comfortable win
Germany 2 - 0 Poland
A comfortable victory for Germany as their quest to go one better at Euro 2025 starts
Author | Ed
Stadium | kybunpark
Christian Wück’s side controlled almost three-quarters of possession before the interval but were left to rue a series of missed chances as the first half ended goalless.
Brand and Giulia Gwinn both went close, though Poland defended doggedly and their West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik impressed with a string of saves.
There was concern for the 2022 finalists shortly before the break when captain Gwinn left the pitch in tears after injuring herself while making a crucial challenge to deny Ewa Pajor. She initially tried to carry on but was eventually helped off by medical staff. Wück confirmed Gwinn will undergo a scan in Zurich on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.
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Germany responded well to the setback and their pressure told seven minutes after the restart. Brand cut inside from the edge of the box and curled a superb left-footed effort beyond Szemik into the top corner.
The Wolfsburg forward then turned provider just past the hour mark, delivering a pinpoint cross for Schüller to head home Germany’s second.
Poland, making their first appearance at a major tournament, were not without their moments. Captain Pajor twice threatened after the break, only to be denied by Ann-Katrin Berger in the German goal.
Nina Patalon’s side can take pride from their display, and their travelling supporters, outnumbered but unrelenting, never stopped making themselves heard.
More analysis of what happened and why
The main talking point was Germany’s composed start to Euro 2025 under new head coach Christian Wück and with a refreshed, youthful squad.
Tipped by many as dark horses for the title following a string of promising recent performances, Germany carried an air of intrigue into the tournament.
They handled the occasion with little fuss, enjoying long spells of possession and dominating against a Poland side ranked 24 places below them.
While it may not have been a statement victory to send shockwaves through the tournament, Germany demonstrated they can dig in and deliver results while still playing with attacking intent and freedom.
