My first FootieFusion article can be read below or via the following link: https://footiefusion.wordpress.com/2025/07/06/germany-produce-hard-fought-2-0-victory-over-impressive-debutants-poland/

Jule Brand delivered a decisive second half performance for Germany, scoring a stunning long range strike before directing a cross to striker Lea Schüller to head home on her third attempt. While Poland’s defence proved mostly resilient throughout their major tournament debut, chances of the Eaglesses own were squandered by their typically prolific goalscorer Ewa Pajor. 

Match report:

In a first half of frustration for Christian Wück’s Germany, it was the Polish defence that proved the talking point. While promising chances went awry for Die Nationalelf as creative spark Bühl and striker Schüller rolled their efforts wide, the Eaglesses also created their own openings on the break. A vital block from Germany captain Giulia Gwinn denied Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer Pajor a chance to strike, however at the expense of the right-back’s wellbeing as Gwinn tearfully departed the field of play in the 40th minute.

The half-time withdrawal of Poland centre-back Paulina Dudek levelled the sides on apparent injuries, with Germany soon increasing the intensity. A cut in from the right flank and strike across goal from midfielder Brand fired relief into German veins. Amid a chance powered into the gloves of Ann-Katrin Berger by Pajor for Poland, Die Nationalelf crafted consecutive attacks, and a duo of headers from Schüller fired wide.

Third time, however, proved a charm for the striker, who will feel pleased to convert as she continues to fill the ominously large shoes left behind by Germany’s all-time leading goalscorer Alexandra Popp. Many of the striker’s 67 goals on the international stage were performed with her head, as Popp’s towering aerial presence remains indelible despite her retirement ten months ago. 

Flurries of attacks came late in the match for Poland, as Pajor was once again at the heart of proceedings. Substitute Dominika Grabowska whipped in a cross for the forward to head toward goal, however Berger showcased her inexhaustible supply of reflex saves as she outstandingly denied Pajor and her nation a consolation.

Poland’s defensive brilliance proves hard to breach

The Eaglesses’ stout defending was a key component of their successful qualification for Euro 2025, with the Poland backline crucially keeping both Romania and Austria at bay in the play-offs. While Germany were understandably a significant step up from such sides, Poland once again frustrated their international opponent.

With the Eaglesses providing extra support to their centre-backs Dudek and Emilia Szymczak by doubling up on Germany’s attacking talents, only six shots were fired on target by Wück’s side. Although Brand did find the opener for Germany early in the second half, the position of the Wolfsburg striker on the edge of the box emphasises the efficacy of Poland’s low block and compact play.

With the side buoyed by firing themselves in front and subsequently beginning to move the ball at a pace, Poland’s defensive resilience wavered. An unmarked Schüller headed in Germany’s second, as goalscorer Brand turned provider with a cross into the box from the right flank.

The Eaglesses did not show any signs of capitulation as the contest proved a hard-fought victory for Germany in both sides’ opening Euros match. Wück’s team in fact failed to register double figures for their shots on target from 25 attempts, and will have certainly learned an abundance of lessons from Poland’s testing low block. Meanwhile, Nina Palaton’s players will surely look to replicate their stout defending against Sweden and Denmark in order to put some points on the board in their first major tournament.

Bühl impresses for Germany on the Swiss stage

While the world’s third-ranked side failed, in the first half, to demonstrate their attacking prowess of which has warranted such a high international standing, Bühl carved most of Germany’s promising moments.

The winger offered an early warning sign of her talents to Poland when the 24-year-old jinked her way into the 18-yard-box and pulled her shot just wide of the right post. Bühl continued to dictate play from the flank throughout the half, laying off the ball to her teammates and aiming a freekick just over the bar before the interval.

While fellow winger Brand, and midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken stole the limelight in the second half for their impactful contributions, Bühl continued her strong display and should have earned herself an assist. The Frauen-Bundesliga’s top provider with 14 assists last season executed yet another pinpoint cross, with Schüller heading agonisingly wide to conclude the clear cut chance. 

German boss Wück will be extremely pleased with his winger’s performance, and will hope that Bühl continues her fine form of which she displayed with Bayern Munich in the 24/25 campaign. Meanwhile the manager’s concern will lie with his injured captain and right-back Gwinn, as Denmark and Sweden await Germany in the coming week.