Germany, Sweden reach Euro 2025 quarter-finals with perfect records

Germany and Sweden both booked their places in the quarter-finals of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 on Tuesday after respective wins over already-eliminated Denmark and Poland.

The victories mean both sides maintain their perfect records in Group C ahead of their clash on Saturday in Zurich, which will decide who tops the group.

Sweden currently lead the group on goal difference after a commanding 3-0 victory over Poland, while Germany edged Denmark 2-1 in Basel.

Lea Schueller sealed Germany’s win with a 66th-minute strike — her second goal in as many games — after Sjoeke Nuesken had earlier equalised from the penalty spot. Denmark had taken the lead through Amalie Vangsgaard’s powerful opener.

“On a technical level, in terms of play, we struggled a lot,” admitted Germany coach Christian Wueck. “But the other key component that always marks out a German team took over: the fighting spirit, the will to win. It was won with our mentality.”

Germany had a goal disallowed in the 18th minute when Klara Buehl’s strike was ruled out due to Nuesken being offside and interfering with play. Later, a penalty awarded for handball was overturned after VAR showed the offence occurred outside the area. However, Germany did benefit from VAR just before the equaliser, when Katrine Veje was judged to have fouled Linda Dallmann inside the box.

From then on, Germany took control, with Schueller calmly finishing Jule Brand’s assist to secure qualification with a game to spare.

Meanwhile, Sweden delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far. Goals from Stina Blackstenius, veteran captain Kosovare Asllani, and Lina Hurtig eased them past a Polish side led by Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor.

Peter Gerhardsson’s team looked confident and composed throughout, underlining their credentials as serious contenders. Sweden last won a major international title in 1984, but Tuesday’s display suggests they could challenge for honours again this summer.

Asllani’s goal marked her 49th international strike in her 201st appearance for her country — a milestone in a career spanning nearly two decades.

With both teams safely through, Saturday’s showdown in Zurich promises to be a battle not just for bragging rights, but for a potentially more favourable quarter-final draw.