Germany’s forward Jule Brand played a key role by scoring one goal and assisting another as her team secured a 2-0 victory against tournament newcomers Poland in their opening Group C match at the Women’s Euros in St. Gallen on Friday. However, Germany faced a setback when captain Giulia Gwinn was forced off the pitch due to injury.
Gwinn, who has previously endured two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, left the game in tears during the 40th minute after twisting her knee while making a crucial last-ditch tackle to block a scoring attempt from Poland’s captain, Ewa Pajor.
After controlling much of a goalless first half against a determined Polish side, Germany finally broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half. Brand maneuvered inside before unleashing a powerful, curling shot into the top-left corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.
Both Sjoeke Nuesken and Klara Buehl missed chances to extend the lead with headers, but Lea Schueller ultimately doubled the advantage in the 66th minute. She skillfully took advantage of a momentary lapse in Poland’s offside trap to get behind the defense and head in a precise cross from Brand.
Poland’s most dangerous player was Pajor, who created several promising opportunities, but Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made a series of impressive saves to maintain a clean sheet.
With Sweden having earlier defeated Denmark 1-0, Germany leads Group C ahead of their upcoming match against Denmark in Basel on Tuesday. Sweden will face Poland in Lucerne later that evening.
