Germany overcame two sudden goals to beat Australia 4-2 in a women’s international friendly in Karlsruhe on Friday.
Christian Wück’s side enjoyed control and momentum throughout, but after failing to make several crucial chances pay, they still needed every measure of their firepower to come good in a contest that roared to life at the close of each half.
Germany took an early lead through a quick-fire brace from Denver Summit FC forward Melissa Kössler. The first goal came in the 23rd minute following
an excellent build-up on the right that culminated in a dangerous Carlotta Wamser cross. The Germans had been building toward this type of attack throughout the match, and this time it paid off: Wamser’s delivery reached the run of opposite fullback Franziska Kett. Australia defender Ellie Carpenter managed an interception, but sent it toward her own net, where goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s deflection fell for Kössler to tap home at the back post.
Kössler’s second strike was more of a solo effort, unlocked by a searching deep pass from Elisa Senß. Kössler weaved expertly through traffic on the breakaway and finished with conviction, beating Arnold to the bottom corner in the 30th minute.
Germany’s momentum continued to surge from there, though final touches were lacking. Near the stroke of halftime, Australia forced its way back into the match with a point-blank header from Sam Kerr. The assist came from Carpenter, who found space in behind following a brilliant one-two with Hayley Raso.
The second half proved more even until the final ten minutes, with the Matildas threatening to equalize while Germany held firm. Nicole Anyomi and Linda Dallmann both missed excellent chances to extend the lead before Camilla Küver latched onto the end of an 83rd-minute corner to deliver what looked like a decisive third goal.
However, the fireworks were only just beginning. Moments later, Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic was forced into a close-range save. Laura Freigang missed another chance for Germany in transition, and Australia soon turned a high turnover by Tori Tumeth into an immediate attack. Caitlin Foord deftly found Holly McNamara making a wide run off the shoulder of the German center-backs, setting her up for a slotted finish from just beyond the penalty spot.
That brought the score to 3-2 with two minutes of stoppage time remaining.
But the Germans had the last word through Sjoeke Nüsken. The Chelsea midfielder expertly brought down Dallmann’s corner and lashed a ferocious shot through a thicket of bodies into the bottom corner. It was virtually the final kick of the game, capping off a 4-2 victory and a largely convincing performance—though not without its share of drama.
Highlights below:
Germany plays Japan next on October 13th at the Weserstadion in Bremen.
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