Sweden underline title credentials
Sweden 4 - 1 Germany
Sweden underlined their Euro 2025 credentials with an emphatic 4-1 win over Germany in Zurich, finishing top of Group C and handing the eight-time champions their heaviest ever defeat at a European Championship.
Author | Ed
Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund
Both sides had already secured passage to the quarter-finals, but top spot was still up for grabs in a match that quickly descended into chaos for Germany, who were reduced to 10 players after just half an hour.
Germany made the brighter start and struck first in the seventh minute. A superb ball from Carlotta Wamser released Jule Brand, who slotted confidently beyond Jennifer Falk to score the first goal Sweden have conceded at the tournament.
But Sweden hit back almost immediately. A turnover high up the pitch allowed Stina Blackstenius to race through and calmly roll the ball past Ann-Katrin Berger to level the scores.
Germany continued to show ambition going forward, but their defensive shape unravelled. Sarai Linder’s sliding challenge ricocheted off Smilla Holmberg and looped into the net for an unfortunate own goal, giving Sweden the lead on 25 minutes.
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The evening unravelled further for Germany six minutes later when Wamser was sent off for a deliberate handball on the line, denying Blackstenius a certain goal. Fridolina Rolfö converted from the spot to mark her 100th cap with a goal and put Sweden firmly in control.
The second half lacked the drama of the first, but Sweden remained dominant. Substitute Lina Hurtig added a fourth with 10 minutes remaining, tapping in Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s low cross to seal a landmark win.
It was Sweden’s first victory over Germany in a European Championship match and a performance that will serve as a warning to the rest of the field. Both sides will discover their quarter-final opponents on Sunday, following the outcomes of England’s clash with Wales and the Netherlands’ meeting with France.
Reaction from someone who was watching
Enith attended the match as a neutral and said: "Germany appeared quite naïve. Sweden excelled in wider areas and took control. I mentioned before the game that avoiding Germany would be wise, but based on that performance, you might want to avoid Sweden as well!"
Interesting stat
In their last eight group stage matches at major competitions, Sweden have won their matches by a combined scoreline of 24-3.
