Giulia Gwinn was substituted in tears. © APA/afp / SEBASTIEN BOZON

Tearful start to the European Championship: Germany worried about star

Germany's women's soccer team began their title campaign in Switzerland with a dominant 2-0 (0-0) victory over European Championship debutants Poland. However, the knee injury to star player Giulia Gwinn overshadowed the success.

July 04, 2025

From: dpa

Despite their lack of a brilliant performance, the record European champions topped Group C ahead of Sweden, who also lived up to their favorite status in their Scandinavian clash with Denmark, narrowly beating them 1-0 (0-0). Both of these matches also began with a minute's silence for Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident on Thursday.

In St. Gallen, Germany, the 2022 European Championship finalists, had the early advantage in terms of chances, as expected, but Poland celebrated a 0-0 victory at halftime. The German national team's high-caliber attack, led by Klara Bühl and Lea Schüller, initially struggled against the aggressive underdogs.

Shock for DFB captain

While the final pass and finish were still off, the Olympic bronze medalist suffered a painful loss before halftime. Captain Giulia Gwinn left the field limping and in tears after a stinging tackle on FC Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor. The 26-year-old from FC Bayern has already suffered two cruciate ligament tears.

Giulia Gwinn has injured her knee. © ANSA / GIAN EHRENZELLER

Germany, which had thrashed the Austrian national team 6-0 in a Nations League friendly match in June, did their duty after the break against Austria's play-off conquerors. Jule Brand's brilliant shot from just outside the penalty area landed in the far corner (52'). Sjoeke Nüsken and Schüller then each headed home a goal to make it 2-0, but Schüller didn't let the next opportunity pass. The striker nodded in a Brand cross (66'). Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger prevented a more exciting final phase with a brilliant save from Pajor's header (81').

Euro 2025, Matchday 1 – Group C

Germany – Poland 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: 1-0 Brand (52nd), 2-0 Schüller (66th)

Denmark – Sweden 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: 0:1 Angeldahl (55.)