Germany takes control
Germany beat Australia 4-2 at Wildpark Stadium in Karlsruhe, controlling much of the international friendly against the Matildas, the world No. 15 side. The world No. 3 opened the October International window with the win as both teams prepared for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil. Australia hadn't played a friendly since June.
Melissa Kossler scored twice in the first half to put Germany 2-0 ahead. She opened the scoring in the 24th minute after Carlotta Wamser sent in a cross. Six minutes later, Kossler struck again as Germany repeatedly found a way through Australia's defence.
Australia pulled one back just before the break. Ellie Carpenter surged down the wing and drove a low, hard cross into the box, where Sam Kerr headed home in the 45th minute. Germany went into half-time leading 2-1.
Carpenter had already crossed toward Kerr in the second minute, but Germany goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic got to the ball first. Cora Zicai sent an attempt wide in the third minute. Carpenter crossed again in the seventh, with Amy Sayer and Kerr involved, but Australia couldn't break through Germany's defence.
Australia seeks a response
Germany took charge as the first half progressed and made more chances. Clare Wheeler collided with Kossler, while Kaitlyn Torpey stepped in defensively. Foord and Kerr later combined in an effort to equalise, but Germany shut down the move.
Kerr had earlier gone down after a challenge caught her right ankle with a foot. She walked off looking uncomfortable, then returned to the pitch. She also went offside while chasing a long ball from Emily Van Egmond. At half-time, live coverage said Australia needed more energy and organisation, adding that both teams were missing key players. Australia was without Mary Fowler.
The Matildas started the second half looking more organised. Wheeler hit the crossbar from range in the 56th minute after a corner, coming close to an equaliser. Mackenzie Arnold saved another Kossler attempt in the bottom-right corner. Kossler was later flagged offside, then challenged outside the box.
Australia won more corners through Emily Van Egmond and created chances, but couldn't find the final touch. At 64 minutes, Joe Montemurro sent on Holly McNamara, Alana Murphy, Leticia McKenna and Courtney Nevin. Steph Catley, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond and Kerr came off.
Late goals settle the match
Germany kept threatening. Nicole Anyomi shot wide in the 78th minute, and Zicai tested Arnold in the 81st. Germany made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute when Camilla Kuver headed in from a corner.
In the 73rd minute, the goalkeeper's close-range kick-out struck McNamara in the shoulder and possibly also the face or head. She received an assessment on the ground, then left the field with blood coming from her mouth. Live coverage said she had a history of injuries.
Australia made two substitutions in the 87th minute, bringing on Tori Tumeth and Remy Siemsen for Wini Heatley and Hayley Raso. Tumeth, who had hoped to make her debut, earned Matildas cap No. 244.
Australia scored in stoppage time. At 90 minutes, McNamara finished a move through the middle to make it 3-2. Germany restored its two-goal lead straight away, as Sjoeke Nusken scored from a corner Australia hadn't fully cleared. Germany held on for a 4-2 win. Australia plays Haiti next, on Wednesday at 6:00am AEST, in the second of the October-window friendlies.