Sweden thrashes Germany 4-1 to advance to the Women's Euro Cup

▲ The Swedes were relentless on offense and are heading in as one of the favorites for the title. Photo AFP

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La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 13, 2025, p. a11

Bern. Sweden confirmed their status as one of the favorites at the Women's Euro Cup by advancing undefeated and leading Group C to the quarterfinals of the tournament after thrashing Germany, the competition's all-time record winner, 4-1. Poland bowed out with a 3-2 victory over Denmark, who had already been eliminated.

The Swedes qualified with nine points, while the Germans, European runners-up, reached six points to move into second place in the group. Poland finished with three points, while Denmark finished with a clean sheet.

Both Sweden and Germany will learn their quarterfinal opponents after the final round of Group D, where current group leaders France will face the Netherlands this Sunday, and reigning champions England will face Wales.

The victory is historic for Sweden, as it was the first time in its history that it beat Germany at the European Championship, a record eight titles in the continental competition. The duel in Zurich between the two powerhouses was exciting from the start, physical, and featured quick transitions from one area to the other.

The match became easier for the Swedes after German forward Carlotta Wamser was sent off – just half an hour into the game – for deflecting a ball off the goal line with her arm.

By then, Sweden were already leading 2-1 after goals from Stina Blackstenius and teenager Smilla Holmberg cancelled out Jule Brand's early opener for Germany.

Fridolina Rolfö calmly converted the penalty after Wamser's red card, and substitute Lina Hurtig completed the scoring to cap a miserable night for Germany.

In the other match, Natalia Padilla scored a goal and was instrumental in the other goals as Poland beat Denmark 3-2, marking the first victory for the Poles in the history of the European tournament after making their debut in this edition.

Padilla, born in Spain, opened the scoring in the 13th minute and also contributed to the goals of Ewa Pajor (20) and Martyna Wiankowska (76).

The Danes pulled one back with goals from Janni Thomsen (59) and Signe Bruun (83), a response that was of little use, as both teams were already eliminated after suffering defeats in the first two rounds.