Germany vs Poland

The Germany Women's team kicks off their Women’s Euro 2025 journey against Poland Women in St. Gallen on Friday.

The DFB-Frauenteam, with a record eight European Championship titles, is a powerhouse in the competition, while Poland steps onto this stage for the first time.

Germany dominated the revamped qualifying phase, mirroring the Nations League format to heighten competition. They secured five victories in six matches (L1), topping a group that included Iceland, Austria, and Poland.

After finishing as runners-up to England in the 2022 final at Wembley, Germany is eager to reclaim the title. With eight championship wins, including a dominant run of six straight titles from 1995 to 2013, they remain the most decorated team in the tournament’s history.

Ranked third globally, Christian Wuck’s squad is a top contender to win the tournament and is favored to lead a group featuring Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. Their confidence is bolstered by a five-game winning streak in the Nations League, earning them a spot in the final four.

Poland, ranked 27th, is new to major tournaments. They struggled in qualifying, losing all six Group A4 matches, but secured their spot in Switzerland through the playoffs. They cruised past Romania 6-2 on aggregate and clinched two 1-0 victories over Austria to qualify.

Poland’s recent form includes a strong Nations League campaign, with five wins and a draw to earn promotion from League B. A 4-0 friendly win over Ukraine extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches (W10, D1). However, facing Germany, who defeated them 4-1 and 3-1 in last year’s qualifiers, presents a formidable challenge.

For Germany, Rebecca Knaak is expected to pair with Janina Minge in central defense, flanked by Giulia Gwinn and Franziska Kett at right and left-back. Up top, Bayern Munich’s Lea Schuller, fresh off scoring five goals in her last three games, will lead the attack, supported by Laura Freigang, with Jule Brand and Klara Buhl providing width. Selina Cerci is another option on the flanks.

Poland’s lineup includes Malgorzata Mesjasz, a late replacement for the injured Martyna Brodzik. Paulina Dudek and Emilia Szymczak will likely anchor central defense, with Klaudia Slowinska and Martyna Wiankowska as full-backs. Ewa Pajor, who scored 42 competitive goals for Barcelona last season, will be Poland’s key attacking weapon.