Women from Sweden found lying on the floor
Germany's women's football team experienced a disappointing setback at Euro 2025, losing 4-1 to Sweden in Zurich, marking their heaviest defeat in the UEFA Women's Euro since 1991 [1][2]. This defeat also marks their largest ever loss at a Women's Euros tournament and their most significant tournament loss in over three decades.
The match began promisingly for Germany, with Jule Brand scoring the first goal in the 7th minute after a through pass from Carlotta Wamser [2]. However, Sweden soon capitalised on Germany's high defensive line and exploited spaces on the flanks during transitions, leading to a series of goals [3].
Stina Blackstenius, one of Sweden's key players, equalised for Sweden, outpacing Rebecca Knaak and leaving Ann-Katrin Berger with no chance. Sarai Linder's attempt to clear the ball in the penalty area deflected off Holmberg for a 2-1 lead for Sweden, and Fridolina Rolfö converted a penalty after Carlotta Wamser was shown a red card for handball, further extending Sweden's advantage [1][2]. Lina Hurtig added a fourth goal for Sweden in the final stages without much resistance from the German team.
Germany's defensive weaknesses were exposed throughout the game, with Lea Schüller and Kosovare Asllani each shooting just wide of the goal in the game's opening phase [2]. Substitutions were made during the second half, with Sydney Lohmann replacing Laura Freigang, and Kathrin Hendrich replacing Rebecca Knaak [1].
The defeat pushed Germany to finish second in Group C behind Sweden, who won all their group matches with nine points [1][3]. This result ended a dominant run for Germany, who are record European champions but now face a tougher route in the knockout stages [1][2]. Germany's quarter-final opponent will be the winner of Group D, likely France or England — both strong teams — presenting a challenging next match [1].
Klara Buhl, a forward for Germany, acknowledged the bitterness of the loss but stressed the importance of moving on quickly as the quarter-final awaits [1]. Sweden's coach Peter Gerhardsson highlighted their effective counterattacking strategy as central to dismantling Germany's defence [3].
Germany will play their Euro 2025 quarter-final next Saturday following this group stage exit as runners-up [1]. Potential semi-final matchups could involve the world champions Spain, further underscoring the difficulty of their path forward in the tournament [1]. The team will need to regroup rapidly to overcome elite opponents in the knockout phase [1][2][3].
- Despite the promising start in the 7th minute with Jule Brand's goal, Germany's sports analysis revealed significant defensive weaknesses against Sweden, which led to their 4-1 defeat in the UEFA Women's Euro.
- The European-leagues clash between Germany and Sweden highlighted Sweden's effective counterattacking strategy, exploiting spaces on the flanks during transitions and taking advantage of Germany's high defensive line.
- The Premier League-worthy performance from the Swedish team left Germany facing a tougher route in the knockout stages of the Women's Euros tournament, with France or England likely to be their next opponents in the quarter-final.
