Germany saw off Poland after the break at the UEFA Women’s European Championship, while Sweden narrowly defeated Denmark.
Group C
Denmark 0-1 Sweden
Germany 2-0 Poland
Germany made a winning start against Poland but were kept at bay until the second half.
Emilia Szymczak got in at the back post for Poland but volleyed wide, Germany’s Jule Brand forced a save from Kinga Szemik.
Germany lost captain Giulia Gwinn to injury after a crucial tackle that stopped Ewa Pajor getting through on goal, while lea Schuller and Linda Dallmann passed up good chances at the other end.
Seven minutes after the interval, Brand rifled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Sjoeke Nusken headed a glorious opportunity wide of the Polish goal but Brand delivered for Schuller to nod in the second goal.
Ann-Katrin Berger turned over Pajor’s powerful header, to maintain her clean sheet.
Sweden began with three points against Denmark after a second-half goal but were saved by the woodwork late on.
Sweden’s Filippa Angeldahl saw her second-minute effort deflected behind, before her side survived a VAR check for a penalty against them.
Angeldahl went close again before the break but her free kick was tipped over by Maya Bay Østergaard.
Ten minutes into the second half it was Angeldahl who made the breakthrough, exchanging passes with Kosovare Asllani before drilling the ball into the far corner of the net.
The Danes nearly hit straight back but Nathalie Bjorn blocked and cleared from Emma Snerle’s goalbound effort.
Stina Blackstenius was set to double the lead but Frederikke Thogersen made a goal-line clearance.
Sweden’s Madelen Janogy headed just wide from in front of goal, while Denmark’s Pernille Harder threatened an equaliser but saw her shot crash back off the crossbar.
Fixtures for Saturday 5 July – Group D:
Wales v Netherlands – live on BBC1/S4C
England v France – live on ITV1/STV
