Poland concluded their Euro 2025 campaign with a spirited 3-2 victory over Denmark in Lucerne, registering their first-ever goals and points at a major tournament.
Although already eliminated following defeats to Germany and Sweden, Nina Patalon’s side displayed renewed tactical intent and attacking energy that rewarded them with a well-deserved win.
Despite being group-stage debutants and facing a formidable group, Poland set the tone early with a high press and quick transitional play that overwhelmed Denmark in the opening stages.
Their aggressive strategy paid immediate dividends, as they capitalised on Danish errors and built a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Emilia Szymczak surged down the right flank following a turnover and delivered a low cross that, after evading captain Ewa Pajor, was calmly converted by Natalia Padilla-Bidas—Poland’s first goal in a major international tournament.
Pajor turned scorer minutes later, heading home a precise delivery from Padilla-Bidas after more sustained Polish pressure.
Denmark, Euro 2017 runners-up, struggled to respond and were dealt a further blow when veteran forward and captain Pernille Harder was forced off through injury.
Their first genuine chance only arrived in stoppage time of the first half when Signe Bruun twice came close, hitting the crossbar and drawing a smart save from Polish goalkeeper Kinga Szemik.
Szemik, otherwise solid, handed Denmark a route back into the game with a goalkeeping error, allowing Janni Thomsen’s long-range effort to slip through her grasp.
Denmark continued to press, and substitute Nadia Nadim appeared to have found the equaliser, only for the automated offside technology to deny her.
That reprieve seemed to galvanise Poland, who extended their lead through Martyna Wiankowska’s composed finish in the 75th minute, set up once again by Pajor.
Denmark narrowed the gap once more through Bruun’s header, but it proved too little, too late.
The result leaves Denmark as one of only five teams in UEFA Women’s Euro history to exit a tournament without a point, marking a disappointing end to Andree Jeglertz’s tenure before his move to Manchester City.
Poland’s transformation from their earlier passive displays to an assertive and high-intensity side was the central talking point of the match.
Coach Patalon’s decision to abandon a conservative structure allowed key players such as Pajor and Padilla-Bidas to flourish in the final third.
Pajor was instrumental both as a scorer and creator, showcasing the versatility that earned her a record-equalling 42-goal club season.
Padilla-Bidas, while occasionally erratic in front of goal, caused continuous problems for the Danish defence with her movement and vision.
Defensively, Poland’s aerial vulnerability remains a concern, having conceded five of seven goals via headers in the tournament.
Nonetheless, Szymczak’s composure and leadership in the backline helped steady the team for the majority of the match.
For Denmark, Bruun offered one of the few bright spots with her persistent threat in the box, while Nadim’s introduction added some urgency late on.
However, the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations given their pedigree.
While Poland’s journey ends in the group stage, their performance against Denmark offered a glimpse into a promising future.
Their attacking potential and adaptability suggest they will be a team to watch in future international tournaments.
Denmark, by contrast, will enter a period of transition under new management.
The task of rebuilding confidence and cohesion will be paramount ahead of their next competitive cycle.
