The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 kicked off with a pulsating encounter between two Nordic giants — Denmark and Sweden — in what promised to be one of the most fiercely contested matches of the group stage. Set under the vibrant skies of Hamburg, this Group C opener not only featured two of Europe’s most tactically mature teams but also brought together a historical rivalry steeped in regional pride.
It was Sweden who emerged victorious, thanks to a second-half strike from midfielder Filippa Angeldahl. The 1-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of a match filled with technical precision, aggressive pressing, and individual moments of brilliance — a true advertisement for the rising standards of European women’s football.
First-Half Tension Tactical Chess and Missed Opportunities
Both teams entered the match with strong squads and a history of competitive encounters. Denmark, under head coach Andrée Jeglertz, fielded a familiar XI centered around stalwarts like Pernille Harder and Sanne Troelsgaard. Sweden, managed by Peter Gerhardsson, stuck to their balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, blending experience with emerging talent.
From the kickoff, the intensity was palpable. Denmark pressed high in the opening minutes, forcing Sweden into hurried clearances and misplaced passes. Harder was typically lively, drifting into pockets between the lines and linking up well with Janni Thomsen down the right. In the 11th minute, Thomsen whipped in a dangerous cross, narrowly missed by Rikke Madsen at the far post.
Sweden, though initially pinned back, found their rhythm midway through the half. Kosovare Asllani orchestrated the tempo with calm authority, while Fridolina Rolfö and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd stretched the Danish backline with overlapping runs. Their best chance of the half came in the 29th minute when Rolfö’s thunderous left-footed effort from the edge of the box forced an excellent diving save from Danish goalkeeper Lene Christensen.
Despite the chances, both teams failed to convert, heading into the halftime break with the score locked at 0-0.
Second Half Sweden Turn the Screws
Peter Gerhardsson’s halftime talk seemingly worked wonders, as Sweden returned to the pitch with renewed purpose. Their pressing became more synchronized, their transitions crisper, and the midfield trio of Angeldahl, Asllani, and Elin Rubensson began to dominate possession.
In the 57th minute, the breakthrough came.
A slick passing move began with Nathalie Björn winning the ball high up the pitch. She found Rytting Kaneryd on the right, whose low cross was only partially cleared by Danish defender Stine Ballisager Pedersen. The ball fell invitingly to Filippa Angeldahl at the top of the box. Without hesitation, the Manchester City midfielder struck a low, curling shot that beat Christensen’s outstretched glove and nestled into the bottom-left corner.
It was a goal of technique and composure — and it proved to be the match-winner.
Denmark’s Response Spirited but Lacking Cutting Edge
Stung by the goal, Denmark sought an immediate response. Jeglertz introduced fresh legs, bringing on Mille Gejl and Amalie Vangsgaard in attack, hoping to inject pace and unpredictability. The tactical shift saw Denmark push higher up the pitch, with Harder now operating almost as a second striker.
Sweden, for their part, remained defensively compact. Captain Magdalena Eriksson led by example at the back, winning aerial duels and organizing the defensive line with precision. Goalkeeper Jennifer Falk was rarely troubled, though she had to be alert in the 78th minute when Vangsgaard got on the end of a floated ball into the box. The header lacked power and was comfortably claimed.
In the final ten minutes, Denmark threw everything forward, committing players into the box and sending in crosses from wide positions. But Sweden’s discipline and defensive structure held firm. With Asllani and Angeldahl slowing the game down and drawing fouls, Sweden saw out the final minutes expertly to claim a vital three points.
Player of the Match Filippa Angeldahl
While several Swedish players put in commanding performances, it was Filippa Angeldahl who stood out. Tasked with anchoring the midfield while also supporting attacking transitions, Angeldahl combined grit with elegance. Her goal may have made the headlines, but it was her intelligent positioning, composure on the ball, and leadership in midfield that made the difference.
Speaking post-match, Angeldahl said:
“It feels amazing to score in such an important game. We knew Denmark would be tough, but we trusted our game plan. This win gives us momentum — but it’s just the beginning.”
Tactical Breakdown Sweden’s Shape Trumps Denmark’s Press
One of the key themes of the match was Sweden’s tactical discipline. Gerhardsson’s side maintained a structured 4-2-3-1 throughout the match, with the fullbacks — Andersson and Björn — supporting attacks only when necessary. This conservative approach prevented Denmark’s quick forwards from exploiting space in behind.
In contrast, Denmark’s pressing, while effective early on, left them vulnerable in midfield as the game wore on. By pushing their wide players high, they allowed Sweden to build centrally, especially once Rubensson began to drop deeper to create overloads.
Another crucial element was Sweden’s ability to recycle possession and reset attacks through their defensive midfielders. Angeldahl and Rubensson completed 92% of their passes — among the highest on the pitch.
The Bigger Picture Group C Implications
Group C is widely seen as one of the most competitive groups in Euro 2025, featuring Sweden, Denmark, Italy, and Portugal. With this narrow win, Sweden now holds a crucial advantage heading into their next matches. They face Portugal next — a side that has grown tactically under Francisco Neto — before finishing the group against Italy.
Denmark, meanwhile, faces a must-win situation against Italy if they are to keep knockout hopes alive. A second defeat would almost certainly see them eliminated.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
-
Peter Gerhardsson (Sweden Head Coach)
“We’re very happy with the result. It wasn’t perfect, but we executed key moments well. Our defensive shape and the control in midfield were the biggest positives. Denmark made it tough — as they always do — but our mentality carried us through.”
-
Andrée Jeglertz (Denmark Head Coach)
“It’s a disappointing result. We had moments in the first half where we could’ve taken the lead. The goal we conceded was avoidable, and in tournaments like these, fine margins matter. But we’re still in it — we must bounce back against Italy.”
-
Pernille Harder (Denmark Captain)
“We didn’t create enough chances. Credit to Sweden — they defended very well. But we have to be more clinical and composed. We’ll regroup and go again.”
Also Read:
