In a gripping UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group-stage clash, Germany Women came from behind to defeat a resilient Denmark Women side 2-1 and book their place in the quarter-finals. Played at a packed stadium in Gothenburg, the match showcased the intensity, determination, and quality that make the European Championship a stage for the finest in women’s football.
The game had everything—early pressure, a surprise Danish opener, a bold German response, and moments of individual brilliance. As the full-time whistle blew, Germany had completed a dramatic comeback, keeping their hopes of an unprecedented ninth Euro title alive while Denmark were left reflecting on what might have been.
This article takes an in-depth look at the match events, standout performances, tactical decisions, and what lies ahead for both teams.
Denmark Stun Germany Early
Germany entered the match as favourites, having impressed in their opening group games and boasting a squad filled with world-class players such as Lena Oberdorf, Sara Däbritz, and Alexandra Popp. Denmark, on the other hand, had shown flashes of brilliance but were widely seen as underdogs against the mighty Germans.
However, the Danes came out with a clear game plan: soak up pressure and strike on the counter. In the 14th minute, their strategy paid off. A fast break, orchestrated by Pernille Harder, saw the ball fed to Signe Bruun, who timed her run perfectly behind Germany’s high defensive line. With composure beyond her years, she slotted the ball past Merle Frohms to give Denmark a 1-0 lead.
The goal stunned Germany, and for the next 10 minutes, they struggled to regain composure. Denmark almost doubled their lead shortly after when Rikke Madsen unleashed a powerful strike that Frohms managed to parry wide.
German Resilience Leveling Before the Break
Germany, however, are not seven-time European champions by accident. Slowly, they began asserting dominance in midfield. Lena Oberdorf, playing a more advanced role than usual, began dictating the tempo. It was her pinpoint pass in the 36th minute that unlocked the Danish defense.
The recipient was Jule Brand, who beat her marker on the wing and sent a low cross into the box. Alexandra Popp, ever the predator in front of goal, met it with a thunderous header. The ball smashed off the underside of the bar and in—1-1. The stadium erupted, with German fans chanting her name.
The equaliser rejuvenated Germany, who ended the half on top. But Denmark’s disciplined defending and intelligent shape ensured the teams went into the break all square.
Tactical Adjustments and German Control
Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg made a crucial tactical switch at halftime, pushing Sara Däbritz into a deeper role to allow Oberdorf more freedom to attack. The move added fluidity to Germany’s passing game and stretched Denmark’s midfield.
The Germans began to camp in Denmark’s half, and possession stats soared in their favour. Klara Bühl, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, began to cause problems down the left wing. In the 58th minute, she cut inside and fired a curling shot that forced a stunning save from Danish keeper Lene Christensen.
Denmark, meanwhile, looked increasingly reliant on Harder’s creativity. Though the Chelsea forward dropped deep to collect the ball, she found herself isolated and often outnumbered by German defenders.
The pressure finally told in the 67th minute. A German corner was only partially cleared and fell to Marina Hegering, whose shot ricocheted off two defenders. In the ensuing scramble, the ball found its way to Däbritz, who drilled it low into the corner of the net—2-1 Germany.
Last-Ditch Drama: Denmark Push Germany Hold Firm
Trailing 2-1, Denmark were forced to abandon their cautious approach. Coach Lars Søndergaard introduced Nicoline Sørensen and Stine Larsen to inject pace and energy. Denmark began pressing higher, and in the 78th minute, Harder nearly leveled the match with a free-kick that curled inches wide.
Germany were under pressure but never panicked. Frohms made another vital save in the 83rd minute, denying a close-range header from Sørensen. Defensively, Kathrin Hendrich was immense—commanding the backline with authority and making crucial blocks.
In the final moments, Germany cleverly slowed down the tempo with professional game management, frustrating the Danes. When the referee blew the final whistle, German players sank to their knees in exhaustion and joy. They had done it—comeback complete and quarter-final ticket secured.
Player of the Match Alexandra Popp
While several German players stood out, Alexandra Popp once again proved why she is one of Europe’s elite forwards. Her leadership, aerial dominance, and relentless work ethic were pivotal in turning the tide of the game.
Her goal—her 40th for Germany in major competitions—came at a crucial time and inspired the team to push forward. Popp’s experience and presence lifted those around her, particularly the younger players, and her post-match message was as powerful as her performance:
“We never give up. That is the German way. We respected Denmark, but we believed in ourselves. Now, we look forward to the quarter-finals.”
Tactical Breakdown
Germany’s initial sluggishness was largely due to Denmark’s smart low block and midfield congestion. But Voss-Tecklenburg’s adjustments in the second half broke those lines effectively.
- Switch to a 4-2-3-1: With Däbritz and Oberdorf alternating roles, Germany added unpredictability to their attack.
- Wing play: Brand and Bühl stretched the Danish defense, creating space for Popp and late runners.
- High pressing: Germany didn’t allow Denmark to build from the back after gaining the lead.
Denmark, though impressive for long spells, lacked a consistent outlet after the first goal. Harder was often left too isolated, and the midfield gradually lost control as the game progressed.
What This Means for Germany
With two wins from two games, Germany now top their group and have mathematically secured progression to the quarter-finals. More importantly, the comeback victory reinforces their psychological strength and tactical depth.
Germany are one of the few teams in Europe that combine technical excellence with physical power. With Popp in red-hot form and the defense looking settled, they are shaping up as genuine contenders once again.
Their next group match will allow Voss-Tecklenburg to rotate and rest key players, with eyes firmly on the knockout rounds. Expectations will be sky-high, but this performance proves they can rise to the occasion.
Where Denmark Stand Now
Denmark’s situation is now precarious. With one win and one loss, they head into their final group match needing a victory to keep quarter-final hopes alive. Their goal difference is also a concern, which could come into play in a tight group.
Despite the loss, there were positives to take:
- Harder remains a world-class threat.
- Christensen’s shot-stopping kept Denmark in the match.
- The team’s structure and cohesion showed maturity.
Søndergaard will need to re-energize his squad quickly and hope for a more clinical edge in front of goal if they are to progress.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media exploded in the aftermath of the match. On Twitter, #GERDEN and #Popp trended globally, with fans praising the quality of football and the spirit of both teams.
Some fan reactions:
- @FrauenBundesNews: “That’s what champions do! Popp leads by example again. What a player. #GERDEN”
- @Euro2025Watch: “Harder gave it everything. Denmark unlucky tonight but Germany’s class shone through.”
- @WomensFootballLover: “The Euro 2025 tournament keeps delivering drama and quality. Absolute joy to watch.”
The match drew over 35,000 fans in the stadium, with millions more tuning in from across Europe and beyond, a sign of how far women’s football has grown.
Historical Context Germany’s Euro Pedigree
Germany’s legacy in the Women’s Euros is unparalleled:
- 8-time champions, including six straight from 1995 to 2013.
- Reached at least the semi-finals in 10 of the 13 editions they’ve played.
- Known for their physical fitness, discipline, and technical acumen.
While the team had a difficult campaign at the 2022 Euros, this year’s squad appears rejuvenated. With a mix of veterans like Popp and rising stars like Brand and Oberdorf, Germany may just be peaking at the right time.
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