On 8 July 2025, in the picturesque Swiss city of Lucerne, Poland faced Sweden in a crucial UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group-stage match. Sweden controlled large stretches of the game and ultimately secured a clear 3–0 win. The decisive defeat confirmed Poland’s elimination from the tournament— their first appearance at the European championships—while Sweden’s impressive victory guaranteed them a place in the quarter-finals.
The match took place at the Swissporarena, where an enthusiastic crowd witnessed the Scandinavians’ dominant display. Led by their invaluable captain Kosovare Asllani, Sweden confidently earned another win; the skipper notched an assist and scored one of the goals.
For Poland, hopes centred especially on captain Ewa Pajor, but Sweden’s well-marshalled defence neutralised her threats.
The result also affected the other teams in Group C, assuring Germany of a quarter-final berth as well.
Match events
- 28th minute: Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring after a fine pass from Kosovare Asllani, surprising Polish goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.
- 52nd minute: Kosovare Asllani doubled Sweden’s lead, finding the net from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s delivery.
- 77th minute: Lina Hurtig sealed the win, heading in from a corner.
Although Sweden scored three, they created many more chances, striking the crossbar twice through Asllani and Madelen Janogy. Poland’s Milena Kokosz could have pulled one back, but her effort also hit the bar.
Sweden showcased particular attacking prowess and an exceptional partnership between Blackstenius and Asllani, who drove the team’s victory.
Sweden played very effectively, basing their tactics on quick, short passes that tore apart Poland’s defence. Excellent defensive organisation prevented Poland from threatening the Swedish goal.
Poland attempted a defensive setup with rapid transitions into counter-attack, but it produced no reward. Breaking through Sweden’s stable back line—where the experience of players such as Magdalena Eriksson made a huge difference—proved especially tough.
Individual player ratings
Sweden
- Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal): Very active throughout, demonstrated her finishing touch with the opener.
- Kosovare Asllani (AC Milan): The captain combined a goal and an assist, again showing her attacking qualities and big-tournament experience.
- Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea): Officially recognised by UEFA as a key player, provided a superb assist for Asllani’s goal.
- Lina Hurtig (Arsenal): Clinical at set pieces, underlined her importance by scoring the third.
Poland
- Ewa Pajor (Barcelona): Despite difficulties breaking Sweden’s defence, remained Poland’s most dangerous player.
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson expressed his satisfaction with his players, highlighting their determination, organisation and team spirit. A disconsolate Poland coach Nina Patalon admitted the opponents were clearly stronger on the day, while stressing the need to improve finishing.
Ewa Pajor added that the match would be a valuable lesson, helping the team grow and return stronger for future games and challenges.
This game exposed the gulf in class between the experienced Swedish side and debutant Poland. While Sweden confirmed their aspiration to fight for the gold medal, Poland ended their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 adventure with priceless experience on a major international stage. Sweden remains among the main contenders for the title, and Poland—richer for the lessons learned—can look positively toward future appearances.
