Germany Women Edge Poland 2-0 Amid Gwinn Injury Blow

Germany women made a winning but emotionally charged start to their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying journey, overcoming a plucky Poland 2-0 on a chilly night in Hamburg. The eight-time continental champions eventually relied on the craft of Jule Brand, yet the sight of captain Giulia Gwinn departing in tears with a suspected knee problem cast a shadow over a hard-earned victory.

Germany women forced to be patient by organised visitors

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side entered the contest as overwhelming favourites, and the early passages of play suggested a routine evening. Germany women monopolised possession, with Sara Däbritz dictating rhythm from deep and full-backs Felicitas Rauch and Kathrin Hendrich pushing high to overload the wings.

Poland, coached by Nina Patalon, refused to fold. Sitting in a disciplined 5-4-1 block, they denied space between the lines and relied on counter-attacks led by Ewa Pajor’s bursts of pace. Merle Frohms had to be alert inside fifteen minutes, diving sharply to her right to claw away Pajor’s angled drive—a warning that the underdogs intended to make Germany women sweat.

Gwinn’s injury silences the stadium

The match’s mood shifted dramatically five minutes before half-time. Giulia Gwinn, wearing the armband for the first time in a competitive fixture, chased a seemingly innocuous pass near the touchline. Her right knee buckled, and she collapsed in obvious pain. Medical staff signalled immediately for a substitution, and the 23-year-old left the field shielding her face while supporters applauded anxiously. Clara Bühl, usually the attacking spearhead, filled in at right-back for the remainder of the half.

The emotional jolt disrupted Germany women’s fluency, and they trudged into the interval at 0-0 despite commanding 72% possession and firing eight shots.

Brand brilliance unlocks Poland’s defence

Jule Brand took responsibility after the restart. The Wolfsburg winger swapped flanks with Svenja Huth to find pockets of space, and her ingenuity finally cracked the Polish wall on 57 minutes. Collecting a threaded pass from Lena Oberdorf, Brand drifted inside, spotted goalkeeper Kinga Szemik off her line and executed a sublime 18-metre chip that kissed the underside of the bar before nestling in the net. Relief and celebration in equal measure surged through the Volksparkstadion.

Poland’s response was spirited. Defender Paulina Dudek ventured forward for set pieces, and Pajor continued to menace on the break, but Marina Hegering marshalled the German back line superbly.

Insurance goal highlights squad depth

With quarter of an hour remaining, Germany women doubled their lead. Again Brand was at the heart of the move, darting past Agata Gersten under the by-line and squaring for substitute Lea Schüller. The Bayern Munich striker’s first-time finish from six yards sealed the contest and underscored Germany’s enviable bench strength.

Primary focus: Germany women’s tactical flexibility

Even without Gwinn and despite a stubborn opponent, Germany women showcased tactical adaptability that bodes well for the campaign. Oberdorf seamlessly alternated between shielding the back four and joining attacks, while Däbritz’s late runs stretched Poland’s shape. Voss-Tecklenburg’s in-game switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3—pushing Hendrich into a back three—stifled Poland’s counters and freed Brand to roam.

Concerns over Giulia Gwinn injury

Post-match, the coach confirmed Gwinn will undergo scans in Munich. “We fear ligament damage,” Voss-Tecklenburg admitted, “but we must wait for confirmation.” Gwinn, previously sidelined with a torn ACL in 2020, had only recently established herself as captain, and her leadership both on and off the pitch is integral to Germany women’s identity.

Stat pack

• Possession: 73% Germany – 27% Poland
• Shots: 19-6
• Shots on target: 7-2
• Pass accuracy: 89% Germany, 65% Poland
• Player of the Match: Jule Brand (goal, assist, four key passes)

What’s next for Germany women and Poland?

Germany women travel to Copenhagen next month to face Denmark, the side that eliminated them from Euro 2017. With Gwinn doubtful, Voss-Tecklenburg may hand Sophia Kleinherne or Tabea Waßmuth a chance at right-back. Poland host Sweden in Łódź, knowing another spirited display will be required to keep qualification hopes alive.

Opinion: Victory shows depth, but leadership void looms

Jule Brand’s star turn reiterates Germany women’s enviable talent pool; few nations can lose their captain mid-match yet still introduce Schüller and Linda Dallmann from the bench. However, tournaments are rarely won without emotional anchors. If Giulia Gwinn’s injury proves serious, the Mannschaft must quickly cultivate alternative leadership voices—perhaps Oberdorf’s relentless competitiveness or Huth’s experience. Qualifying points are secure, but the true test lies in navigating adversity as a cohesive unit.