Jule Brand gave Germany a dream start, but it quickly turned into a nightmare as Sweden roared back to seal a commanding 4-1 win at the Women’s EURO 2025. Brand’s early goal was cancelled out by Stina Blackstenius, and a red card for Wamser, for a deliberate handball on the goal line, tipped the balance firmly in Sweden’s favour. It marked the first time Germany have conceded four goals in a Women’s EURO game, a shocking stat for the eight-time European champions.
Match Highlights
- Jule Brand opened the scoring after a dominant start from Germany.
- Stina Blackstenius equalised in the 13th minute for Sweden.
- Holmberg forced Sweden’s second goal with a powerful run into the box.
- Rolfö converted from the spot to make it 3-1, after Wamser was shown a red card for a handball on the line.
- Wamser’s red card means she will miss the quarter-finals.
- Rolfö celebrated her 100th international appearance.
- Lina Hurtig sealed the 4-1 victory in the second half.
Sweden Turn the Tide After Early Germany Goal
The first half of the highly anticipated Group C clash between Sweden and Germany delivered fireworks, with Sweden heading into the break with a commanding 3–1 lead over the eight-time European champions.
Germany started the match on the front foot, dominating the opening minutes and creating early chances for Jule Brand and Lea Schüller. Their pressure paid off in the 7th minute with a well-worked team goal. Schüller picked up the ball centrally and found Wamser, who played in Brand, slicing through the Swedish defence. Brand coolly slotted past Jennifer Falk to give Germany a deserved 1–0 lead.
But Sweden wasted no time responding. Just five minutes later, Magdalena Asllani picked out Stina Blackstenius with a precise ball. The Arsenal striker burst past the German backline and calmly finished into the far corner beyond Ann-Katrin Berger to level the score at 1–1.
Sweden continued to grow into the game and took the lead in the 25th minute. Holmberg made a powerful run down the right and cut inside the box. While Linder appeared to block her shot, the deflection lifted the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2–1 for Sweden.
Wamser’s Red Card and Penalty Cap Chaotic Half
Germany’s problems deepened minutes later when a moment of hesitation at the back proved costly. A misplaced pass from Berger was intercepted by Rytting Kaneryd, who opted to square the ball rather than shoot, wasting a golden chance. But Sweden would not be denied for long. Another swift attack down the right saw Rytting Kaneryd send a pinpoint cross to Rolfö, whose effort was blocked on the line by Wamser’s outstretched arm.
Following a VAR check that confirmed Rytting Kaneryd was just onside, a penalty was awarded and Wamser was shown a straight red card—a costly moment for Germany, especially with Giulia Gwinn already sidelined due to injury. Rolfö stepped up and converted the penalty with confidence, extending Sweden’s lead to 3–1 in the 34th minute.
Second half: Brave Germany Run Out of Steam
The second half began with a determined German side showing impressive resilience despite being reduced to ten players. For the opening ten minutes, they managed to contain Sweden’s attacks while pushing forward in search of a way back into the match. Their urgency was clear, but so was the fatigue.
Sweden made the first move from the bench, with head coach Peter Gerhardsson substituting captain Asllani for Lina Hurtig, adding fresh legs and energy to the attack. Shortly after the hour mark, both teams turned to their benches again: Lea Schüller made way for Melissa Hoffmann, while Sweden swapped Blackstenius for Wangerheim.
Hurtig’s Goal Seals Sweden’s Dominant Win
As the game wore on, Sweden struggled to adapt to Germany’s altered shape, resorting to long balls over the top to stretch the defense and exploit space for Janogy and Rytting Kaneryd. Germany, however, fought tirelessly, covering more ground and pressing high despite being a player down. The question remained—could they hold on, and might they still find a goal?
With 15 minutes remaining, Nüsken came off for Cerci, providing Germany with some much-needed energy as they continued their uphill battle. Sweden eventually put the game beyond doubt with a fourth goal. Janogy delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post where Rytting Kaneryd laid it off perfectly for Hurtig, who tapped it home to make it 4–1.
Germany nearly pulled one back when a long goal kick from Berger found Cerci on the edge of the box. She charged forward and attempted a lob over Falk, but her effort sailed just over the bar. In stoppage time, Sweden’s keeper Falk stood tall, making two crucial saves to preserve the scoreline. Sweden secure the top spot in Group C with their win over Germany.
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