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How Poland's Euro 2025 showing transformed a nation's view of women's football
How Poland's Euro 2025 showing transformed a nation's view of women's football

The Guardian

time15-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The Guardian

How Poland's Euro 2025 showing transformed a nation's view of women's football

As Poland were on their way to a historic Euro 2025 win over Denmark the commentator on national TV encouraged people to visit the website of a Polish FA campaign called 'Girls' Team', which is designed to help young girls find a team to train with. There was such a rush to the website the server broke down. That would have been unthinkable only a few months ago but the Polish team that played in their first Euros, scored their first goal and secured their first win at the tournament have changed the perception of women's football in the country for ever. 'One of the key goals was to leave the best possible impression and to get little girls interested in the sport,' said the coach, Nina Patalon, after the 3-2 win against Denmark. 'That was our biggest responsibility at our first Euros.' They did just that. Before the tournament the record viewing figure for a women's football game on national TV was 600,000, for the decisive playoff against Austria. With momentum building, a whopping two million people tuned into the opening match against Germany, where Poland produced a feisty display and were somewhat unlucky to lose 2-0. By comparison, the men's national team's match against the Netherlands at Euro 2024 was watched by nine million people. But the men's team have lost some of their allure. Their performances at major tournaments have been a source of frustration for Poles. Recently Robert Lewandowski quit in a fit of pique after losing the captaincy, a row that ended with the coach, Michal Probierz, resigning. It wasn't pretty. The women, meanwhile, have captured the hearts of a nation. One of the biggest sports portals, wrote: 'The Polish women were debutants. They are still at the beginning of their journey. It is still a stage where the saying 'we are learning, we are gaining experience' is not a bad excuse, but the honest truth. The fact that they didn't finish last in such a difficult group, were able to score three goals and win a game, is a surprise that needs to be appreciated. The Euros, but also everything that has happened over the last year, builds hope that the best is coming.' Poland followed up defeat against Germany with another loss, this time 3-0 against Sweden, before the cathartic victory over Denmark. 'I hope we will experience these moments more often,' said Ewa Pajor, the team's star striker, who plays her club football for Barcelona. 'I am proud that we could feel the taste of victory at the European Championships. I know that this is a step on the road to further development.' The West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik told the Guardian: 'I hope that our participation at the Euros is another milestone in propagating the sport and changing the mentality of Polish people. Like we said from the beginning, one of the main goals for us was to help younger generations of girls so if they choose playing football, it'll be much more accessible and easier for them.' It has been quite an achievement by the team. A year ago no one believed they would even get to the Euros. And that was not only the experts but also the Polish FA and Nike, who did not plan a special kit for the team. When qualification was secured Nike said that there was not enough time to produce a new jersey. So Poland were the only country at the 16-side tournament who were playing in an old design. Now, though, the country is looking forward. Poland submitted an application to host this year's Euros but lost out to Switzerland. They will soon apply to organise the 2029 tournament and should they succeed it will be the first time the women's Euros are held in eastern Europe. It brings back memories of 2012, when Poland co-hosted the men's Euros together with Ukraine. The 'Euro effect' is still talked about in Poland, the success of the event having exceeded all expectations. The impact of the Euros on the economy, the development of tourism and the country's image was invaluable. When Patalon was asked before the tournament what would be the biggest success at Euro 2025, the coach said that the team's performance would contribute towards the number of registered female players growing from 30,000 to 300,000. After the final game against Denmark she said: 'It is worth falling in love with our team. My team has presented something that can be a fertiliser for little girls to fall in love with football. They are role models.' This is just the beginning and one of the best things is that Poland is now a country where girls and boys have new idols. In addition to the Lewandowski or Piotr Zielinski shirts already being worn in the street, those bearing the names of Pajor or Natalia Padilla-Bidas will become more common. India on the rise: India have advanced to the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia and will be back in the tournament after 23 years. Those involved in women's football in India believe the achievement will aid growth and interest in the women's game in the country. But this is not the end of the dream: the team's next goal is to qualify for the World Cup. Down to the last eight: It is not only in Europe that the battle for continental supremecy is ongoing but in Africa too. The Wafcon winners' prize money has doubled to $1m (£750,000) and these teams are still in contention: Morocco, Mali, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa and Senegal. Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Tom Garry and Tanya Oxtoby to discuss England's dominant win against Wales, France's comeback, and the final twists in the Euro 2025 group stage. Listen here. What a Copa América Femenina debut by the 17-year-old Claudia Martínez, who scored three goals in Paraguay's 4-0 win over Bolivia to become the youngest scorer in the history of the competition. It's the direction the women's game is going in, and it's great to see. It's proof that women's footballers are great, and that is the way the game is going, so long may that continue' – Lauren Hemp on Liverpool's Olivia Smith becoming the first female footballer to attract a £1m fee. A new book, Florrie: a football love story, has been published to coincide with the Euros. It is a queer historical graphic novel set around the FA's 1921 ban and begins with Florrie's great-niece discovering Florrie was secretly a footballer in the early 20th century. Florrie fell in love with the game, and another player, and played in huge matches both in England and in France. The book explores the joy of playing football, and the devastating consequences when it is taken away. Sophie Downey has looked at the performances of the 16 teams at the Euros and produced her own power rankings with, perhaps unsurprisingly, Spain top but is that Sweden in second? Talking of Peter Gerhardsson's side, they should not be underestimated, according to the England captain, Leah Williamson, before their quarter-final on Thursday. Elis James wrote about what it was like following Wales's 'pioneers' at the Euros. And before the England v Wales game, Emma Hayes wrote about the dos and don'ts of being in a tournament bubble.

Poland beat Denmark for first win at major women's tournament
Poland beat Denmark for first win at major women's tournament

CNA

time12-07-2025

  • Sport
  • CNA

Poland beat Denmark for first win at major women's tournament

LUCERNE, Switzerland :Poland recorded their first victory at a major women's tournament with a 3-2 win over Denmark on Saturday that saw them depart Euro 2025 on a high note. With both teams already eliminated, the result meant Poland came third in Group C at their debut Euros, and Denmark fourth. Natalia Padilla-Bidas made history and had Polish fans on their feet with her 12th-minute goal, the team's first in a major tournament, when a loose ball fell at her feet and she fired home. Ewa Pajor, Poland's all-time leading goalscorer, doubled the lead eight minutes later when she intercepted the ball in the midfield, laid it out to Padilla-Bidas then charged to the back post to head it in. Denmark's Janni Thomsen pulled one back in the 59th minute but Poland restored their two-goal lead when substitute Martyna Wiankowska struck from the edge of the box, firing the ball in off the bar. Denmark, runners-up at Euro 2017, replied in the 83rd minute when Signe Bruun headed in Katrine Veje's pinpoint cross. After the final whistle, the joyous Poland players tossed player of the match Padilla-Bidas in the air and celebrated with their supporters. "It was a fantastic match," Poland coach Nina Patalon said. "We waited a long time for it. We wanted to score that one goal, and we scored three. Today I am so proud of my girls and just so, so happy."

Euro 2025: Sweden play Germany with winner topping Group C
Euro 2025: Sweden play Germany with winner topping Group C

BBC News

time12-07-2025

  • Sport
  • BBC News

Euro 2025: Sweden play Germany with winner topping Group C

Update: Date: 19:14 BST Title: Post Content: Poland v Denmark (20:00 BST) Denmark Denmark have lost both of their group games at Euro 2025 so far; they've never lost all three group stage matches at a single edition of the competition before. Update: Date: 19:12 BST Title: Post Content: Poland v Denmark (20.00 BST) Poland Poland's five goals conceded at Euro 2025 so far – 0-2 v Germany and 0-3 v Sweden – is as many as in their previous 12 matches in all competitions. Update: Date: 19:10 BST Title: Team news - Three changes for both sides Content: Poland v Denmark (20:00 BST) Poland boss Nina Patalon makes three changes to his side after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Sweden four days ago. Wiktoria Zieniewicz, Natalia Padilla-Bidas and Ewalina Kamczyk come into the side, replacing Martyna Wiankowska, Dominika Grabowska and Nadia Krezyman Poland XI: Szemik, Matysik, Szymczak, Wos, Zieniewicz, Achcinska, Pawollek, Kamczyk, Padilla-Bidas, Pajor (c), Tomasiak. Subs: Radkiewicz, Seweryn, Wiankowska, Dudek, Mesjasz, Zawistowska, Grabowska, Kokosz, Jedlinska, Slowinska, Krezyman, Adamek. Denmark manager Andree Jeglertz also makes three changes to his side after Denmark narrowly lost 2-1 to Germany. Josefine Hasbo and Kathrine Moller Kuhl replace Karen Holmgaard and Emma Snerle in midfield, while Signe Bruun starts up front in place of Amalie Vangsgaard, whose goal put the Danes ahead against Germany. Denmark XI: Ostergaard, Faerge, Ballisager, Veje, Thogersen, Hasbo, Kuhl, Holmgaard, Thomsen, Bruun, Harder (c). Subs: Larsen, Vingum, Thrige, Obaze, K. Holmgaard, Nadim, Bredgaard, Madsen, Vangsgaard, Kramer. Update: Date: 19:09 BST Title: Team news - Five changes for Sweden, Gwinn on Germany bench Content: Sweden v Germany (20:00 BST) Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson makes five changes from the side that beat Poland 3-0 last time out, switching from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3. Captain Magdalena Eriksson returns to the starting XI, along with Smilla Holmberg, Jonna Andersson, Hanna Bennisson and Fridolina Rolfo. Sweden XI: Falk, Holmberg, Bjorn, Eriksson, Andersson, Angeldahl, Asllani, Bennison, Rytting-Kaneryd, Blackstenius, Rolfo Subs: Holmgren, Enblom, Sembrant, Lundkvist, Nilden, Janogy, Hurtig, Jakobsson, Ilestedt, Zigotti Olme, Wangerheim, Blomqvist The biggest surprise of tonight is Germany captain Giulia Gwinn returns to the bench, despite being ruled out of the tournament with a medial ligament injury. We knew Gwinn would be here tonight, but we expected to see her supporting from the stands. She has been ruled out for six weeks so won't come on tonight, but has been named among the substitutes so she can sit with her teammates and play her part from the dugout. Elswhere, Christian Wucks makes one change, with Laura Freigang coming in for Linda Dallmann. Germany XI: Berger, Wamser, Minge, Knaak, Linder, Senss, Nusken, Brand, Freigang, Buhl, Schuller Subs: Johannes, Mahmutovic, Hendrich, Gwinn, Lohmann, Dabritz, Zicai, Cerci, Dallmann, Kett, Hoffmann, Kleinherne Update: Date: 19:08 BST Title: 'It was our goal to be group winners' Content: Sweden v Germany (20:00 BST) Ellie ThomasonBBC Sport at Stadion Letzigrund Germany want to extend their 100% winning start at Euro 2025 and have one goal in mind - to top the group. They face their toughest test so far tonight against a Sweden side who are the only team yet to concede a goal in the tournament. "I expect a very close game, two teams at high level," Wuck said. "Both want to be group winners. It was our goal to be group winners. Now we want to complete the final step to complete the group phase." When asked about the Euro 2025 bracket and the advantages and disadvantages of finishing top of the group, Wuck added: "The first advantage that crosses my mind is it will of course keep the self-confidence and self-esteem on the team. "Otherwise I would not have any other ideas." Update: Date: 19:06 BST Title: Who needs what? Content: Germany and Sweden both secured spots in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with wins over Denmark and Poland respectively. The pair face each other in the final round of fixtures where the victor will advance as Group C winner and the loser as runner-up. Should the two teams draw, Sweden will top the group on goal difference. Denmark and Poland were both eliminated with defeats on Tuesday. Update: Date: 19:04 BST Title: Listen live Content: Sweden v Germany (20.00 BST) BBC Radio 5 Live On the go this evening? Well don't worry, you can listen to live coverage of Sweden v Germany on BBC Radio 5 Live. Katie Smith is joined by Eilidh Barbour and former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon, and you can tune in right now. Scroll to the top of this live page for the link. Update: Date: 19:02 BST Title: Get Involved Content: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) Whether you're sheltering from the obscene heat in the UK, or out in Switzerland excited for tonight's matches, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch using the details above, and please remember to include your name in the body text of all correspondence. Update: Date: 19:00 BST Title: Hello! Content: On paper, there isn't much to be sorted in Group C. Two sides are through, two are going home. But there are plenty of reasons to be interested, trust us. Two of the best and most storied nations in women's football, Sweden and Germany, meet to decide who will win the group. And if you're an England fan, pay particular attention - if the Lionesses progress from Group D, they will face one of those two teams in the quarter-finals...

Poland v Sweden: Euro 2025
Poland v Sweden: Euro 2025

The Guardian

time08-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The Guardian

Poland v Sweden: Euro 2025

Update: Date: 2025-07-08T18:11:11.000Z Title: Germany 2-1 Denmark Content: It's finished , the eight-times champions fighting back from a goal down at half-time to secure their second win in Group C. If Sweden win tonight, both teams will be guaranteed a quarter-final place before they meet in Zurich on Saturday. Update: Date: 2025-07-08T18:08:01.000Z Title: Team news Content: Poland (4-3-3): Szemik; Matysik, Szymczak, Wos, Wiankowska; Achcinska, Pawollek, Grabowska; Krezyman, Pajor (c), Radkiewicz, Seweryn, Zieniewicz, Dudek, Mesjasz, Kamczyk, Zawistowska, Kokosz, Jedlinskia, Slowinska, Padilla, Ademek. Sweden (4-3-3): Falk; Lundkvist, Bjorn, Ilestedt, Nilden; Angeldahl; Asllani, Zigiotti Olme; Rytting Kaneryd, Blackstenius, Holmgren, Enblom, J Andersson, Sembrant, Eriksson, Hurtig, Jakobsson, Wangerheim, Rolfo, Bennison, Holmberg, Blomqvist. Update: Date: 2025-07-08T18:00:08.000Z Title: Preamble Content: Major tournaments can be a brutal business. After months of anticipation, it can all be over in a matter of days – which is particularly tough on debutants. For Poland, three decades of trying but failing to reach a major finals came to an end with a surprise playoff win over Austria. Poland began their Group C campaign with a creditable 2-0 defeat to Germany, but with said opponents beating Denmark in Basel, Nina Patalon's side will likely need a result against Sweden – another former champion – or see their Euros dream end, four days after their tournament began. Sweden, who got the better of Denmark in their opener, will start as heavy favourites but Poland have a world-class forward in Ewa Pajor, and they have overcome the odds just to be there. One result can still change everything. Kick-off is at 8pm BST, 9pm local time.

What are the matches in Women's EURO 2025 today? Schedule, venue, timing, live streaming info
What are the matches in Women's EURO 2025 today? Schedule, venue, timing, live streaming info

The Hindu

time04-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The Hindu

What are the matches in Women's EURO 2025 today? Schedule, venue, timing, live streaming info

Eight-time champion Germany will kick off its UEFA Women's EURO 2025 campaign on Friday against neighbours Poland in St. Gallen, Switzerland. This will be the sides' first meeting in the main draw of the European Championships, having faced each other only in the qualifying rounds where Germany enjoyed two comfortable wins. Poland, coached by Nina Patalon, will look to forward Ewa Pajor for inspiration, the Barcelona forward having vast experience playing for Wolfsburg in Germany for nine years. In the other contest today, Scandinavian rivals Denmark and Sweden will go head to head in a Group C clash. Sweden had a tougher route to the main draw, having to come through the playoff rounds, but enjoys a better record against its rival, having drawn two games and won 1-0 in the semifinal of the 2001 edition. Match details: Denmark vs Sweden - July 4, 2025 (18:00 CET kick-off; 21:30 IST) at Stade de Geneva in Lancy Germany vs Poland - July 4, 2025 (21:00 CET kick-off; 00:30 IST on July 5) at Kybunpark in St. Gallen Live Streaming info: The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 matches will not be televised live in India. Fans in India and the Indian sub-cobtinent can catch live action through the Fancode app and website. Here is where you can catch the action in other countries: United Kingdom: BBC1, BBC2, BBC iPlayer, ITV, ITV4, ITVX, S4C United States of America): FOX Sports, ViX Australia: Optus Sport

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