Drama at the start of the European Championship: Germany wins 2-0 - Gwinn injured again!

Drama at the start of the European Championship: Germany wins 2-0 - Gwinn injured again!

In the heart of St. Gallen, on July 4, 2025, the German footballers celebrated a remarkable highlight: a 2-0 victory over Poland in the opening game of the European Championship. But this evening brought not only joy, but also dark shadows, especially when team captain Giulia Gwinn suffered a potentially serious knee injury in the 40th minute.

The first half went below expectations for the DFB team. Despite a committed performance, there weren't enough goals and the score was 0-0 at half time. The German players had problems with speed and precision, while Poland stood well in defense and had a few moments of transition themselves. Ewa Pajor could have taken the lead for Poland in the 31st minute, but her great chance remained unused. The spectators in the stadium, including 15,972 fans, saw an encounter that was not exactly characterized by the splendor of the German attack.

Gwinn's shocking moment

After Gwinn blocked a shot from Pajor, her knee caught on the turf. A brief medical procedure followed, but just a few minutes later she had to leave the game in tears. This is the third cruciate ligament tear in her career. She suffered her first ACL tear in 2020, followed by another in 2022 that kept her out of action for almost a year.

Gwinn was on the way to the hospital for an MRI scan of her knee when teammate Klara Bühl praised her captain: “She has a special connection with the players and is totally authentic.” It remains to be seen how serious the injury actually is should concerns about her long-term fitness increase significantly.

Dynamics in the second half

In the second half the German team showed a different face. Jule Brand gave the DFB team the lead in the 52nd minute with an excellent goal. Lea Schüller added in the 66th minute and made it 2-0. Both goals provided relief and showed the potential the team has to offer. Nevertheless, defensive weaknesses emerged towards the end of the game that raised questions about stability.

Coach Christian Wück kept the starting eleven that played in the last Nations League game against the Netherlands. Sarai Linder took on the role of left-back, while Linda Dallmann shone as a playmaker. These decisions show that Wück relies on continuity, even if the game wasn't convincing right from the start. The next opponent, Denmark, awaits the German team on July 8th, where further potential will be exploited.

The injury and its meaning

Gwinn's injury not only raises questions about what will happen to her, but also sheds light on the common risks of injury among female athletes. Injuries to the lower extremities, especially the knee, are significantly more common in women. Studies show a four and a half to six times increased risk of cruciate ligament tears, especially in non-contact injuries. Prevention strategies are crucial because the stress in professional football is enormous and medical attention is often not sufficiently focused on the specific needs of female athletes, as experts repeatedly emphasize.

The development in women's football is promising, but it also brings with it challenges. Understanding the causes of injuries and adapting prevention strategies is essential in order to best protect athletes and ensure their long-term success.