The Poland Women's National Football Team celebrated a hard-fought victory on February 25, 2025, defeating Romania 1-0 at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest. This win not only boosts the team’s confidence but also secures their place at the top of the UEFA Women’s Nations League Division B with six points from two matches.
Under the management of Nina Patalon, the Polish squad made significant strides since their recent relegation from Division A. Their campaign commenced successfully with a 2-0 win against Northern Ireland earlier this month, thanks to goals from Ewelina Kamczyk and Adriana Achcińska.
Tuesday's match faced challenges right from the start, with noticeably low spectator turnout highlighting the lesser interest in women’s football within Romania. The game kicked off at 18:00 local time, potentially impacting fan attendance. Despite having the atmosphere of the stadium largely empty, the rare sprinkle of supporters created audible momentum for the visiting team.
The first half was marked by tension and missed opportunities from both sides, with notable moments including Ewa Pajor hitting the crossbar shortly before the half-time whistle. Pajor’s attempt would have put Poland on the scoreboard if not for the skilled Romanian defense.
Following the break, the match accelerated when Romania faced the loss of Ioana Bălăceanu, who received her second yellow card for persistent fouling, reducing the home team to ten players from the 63rd minute onward. At this point, Poland seized the chance, dominating possession and pushing forward for the goal.
Just as it appeared the game might end scoreless, Natalia Padilla-Bidas changed the narrative. Her superb play set up the decisive goal at the 84th minute, capitalizing on Nadia Krezyman’s impressive maneuvering around two defenders before delivering the assist. Padilla-Bidas’s shot found its mark, surprising Romanian goalkeeper Andreea Paraluta.
Poland’s tactical strategy employed by coach Patalon has been praised for its adaptability, particularly how the team shifted momentum after Romania’s red card. The team had been under pressure but demonstrated resilience, thriving under the circumstances as Padilla-Bidas celebrated her goal enthusiastically, sealing the victory.
The triumph against Romania builds on Poland’s momentum as they now prepare for their next challenges. Upcoming fixtures include two important matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina scheduled for April, as Poland aims to continue their path to promotion back to the elite Division A.
With this victory, the Polish Women’s Team not only enhances their standings but also nurtures increasing interest and support for women's football nationally. Their historic qualification for the upcoming Euro 2025 demonstrates their growing prowess on the international stage; the tournament will be hosted across Switzerland from July 2 to 27, 2025, where they will face formidable adversaries including Germany and Sweden.