by Staff Writer
Saturday, 12th July 2025
Poland recorded a memorable 3–2 victory over Denmark in their final Women’s Euro 2025 group stage match, marking their first-ever win and first goals at a major international tournament.
While both teams had already been eliminated from Group C, the match provided plenty of excitement and emotion with West Ham United Women’s goalkeeper Kinga Szemik playing a key role in Poland’s historic night.
Szemik, Poland’s No.1 and a rising figure at West Ham, was at the heart of the action. She made a string of important saves throughout the match, including a crucial late stop to deny Denmark’s Nadia Nadim deep into stoppage time. That save helped preserve Poland’s narrow lead and secure their place in the tournament’s history books.
Earlier, Szemik had also denied Janni Thomsen with a strong save in the second half as Denmark pushed to get back into the game.
Despite her impressive overall performance, Szemik did make one error in the 59th minute, when a long-range effort from Thomsen slipped through her hands to give Denmark their first goal. However, Poland responded positively and didn’t let the moment shake them, with Szemik remaining composed and focused for the remainder of the match.
Poland started brightly, with Natalia Padilla-Bidas opening the scoring in the 13th minute. Star striker Ewa Pajor added a second just seven minutes later to give Poland a commanding 2–0 lead.
Thomsen’s goal halved the deficit, but Martyna Wiankowska struck in the 76th minute to restore Poland’s cushion. Denmark’s Signe Bruun made it 3–2 with seven minutes to go, but Szemik and the Polish defence held firm in the closing stages.
For Szemik, it was a match that highlighted her potential and maturity as a goalkeeper. Her performance capped a tournament of steady improvement and strong leadership, even as Poland exited at the group stage.
As she returns to West Ham, the Hammers will be encouraged by her confident display and big-game temperament on the international stage.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.