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Women's Euro 2025: Poland exit early but celebrate historic debut, first tournament win

15.07.2025 07:30
Poland’s women’s national football team capped its historic debut at the Euro 2025 tournament with a 3-2 victory over Denmark, earning its first-ever win in the competition despite an early exit.
Poland head coach Nina Patalon
Poland head coach Nina PatalonPhoto: PAP/Marcin Bielecki

After losing 2-0 to Germany and 3-0 to Sweden in their first two Group C matches, Poland bounced back in their final group-stage game on Saturday, with goals from Natalia Padilla-Bidas, team captain Ewa Pajor and Martyna Wiankowska.

Poland finished third in the group and did not advance to the quarterfinals, but officials hailed the performance as an important step in the team’s development.

Led by head coach Nina Patalon since 2021, Poland entered the European championships in Switzerland without major expectations.

'Huge learning experience'

Patalon said before the tournament that scoring any goal or earning any point would be seen as a success given the calibre of the team's opponents.

The Polish squad faced an uphill battle in a group featuring eight-time European champions Germany, 2023 World Cup bronze medallists Sweden, and Euro 2017 runners-up Denmark.

"It would’ve been nice to stay here a little longer," Patalon said after Saturday’s match. "Watching this team grow from game to game was amazing. We met our goals, and every bit of experience here is an investment in the future. I’m proud of how the team held together."

Pajor echoed the sentiment. "A win like this and the way we played gives us confidence," she said. "The whole tournament was a huge learning experience for us. There’s a lot we can take away to keep improving and to continue sharing moments like this."

'Now on to the next chapter'

Polish Football Association (PZPN) head Cezary Kulesza also praised the team’s effort in a message posted on X.

"Polish women always fight to the end," Kulesza wrote. "Congratulations on your historic victory in your final Euro match. You showed heart and beautiful football. You may not have advanced, but you won the hearts of fans. Thank you — now on to the next chapter."

Poland will return to action this autumn in a series of international friendlies before competing in the UEFA Nations League next year.

The team will also aim to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Brazil.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP