News (engl.)

The Germany women’s national team secured victory in their opening international fixture of the new season as Christian Wück’s side beat Australia 4-2 in front of 26,352 spectators at the BBBank Wildpark in Karlsruhe. Melissa Kössler scored twice (23’, 30’) to put Germany 2-0 ahead before Samantha Kerr pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time (45’+2). Camilla Küver scored her first goal for Germany to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute, before Holly McNamara reduced the deficit in stoppage time (90’+3). Sjoeke Nüsken responded immediately to complete the scoring (90’+4).

Wück once again named Ena Mahmutovic in goal, with Franziska Kett, Küver, captain Janina Minge and Carlotta Wamser forming the back four. Nüsken and Elisa Senß played in holding midfield, while Cora Zicai, Jule Brand and Klara Bühl lined up behind lone striker Kössler.

Australia created the first chance inside the opening minute when Kerr flicked a low cross towards goal with her heel. Germany responded immediately, with Bühl getting forward down the flank and picking out Zicai in the middle, but she fired over from eight yards. Both sides looked to hit the front in what was a lively opening spell, although Germany gradually gained control.

Kössler opens her Germany account

After a few half-chances, Germany made the breakthrough. A slick passing move involving several first-time passes ended with Wamser delivering a cross for Kett, whose header was saved by Mackenzie Arnold. Kössler was quickest to react, turning home the rebound for her maiden Germany goal on her fifth appearance. The striker soon added another. After Germany won possession, Senß played her through and the 26-year-old drilled a low shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area.

Germany repeatedly won the ball back and broke forward at pace, with Kett finding the side-netting in the 36th minute at the end of another swift move. However, Wück’s side became increasingly careless towards the end of the half, and Kerr punished them with a header in the final seconds before the break.

Wück made three changes at half-time, bringing on Marie Müller, Linda Dallmann and debutant Lisa Baum in place of Kett, Brand and Bühl. Germany remained on top despite the changes, although the Matildas continued to pose a threat, particularly down the right. They almost equalised in the 56th minute when Clare Wheeler struck a loose ball against the underside of the crossbar following a corner. The ball then hit Müller’s heel and spun away from goal into Mahmutovic’s arms.

Anyomi rattles the woodwork before Küver gets on the scoresheet

Germany regained the upper hand, with Ellie Carpenter making a vital clearance to deny Zicai a clear chance in the 59th minute. The game then opened out, although with neither side managing to create much in front of goal. Wück made two further changes in the 70th minute, replacing Kössler and Wamser with Nicole Anyomi and Sarai Linder.

Australia came close to levelling again in the 72nd minute when McNamara played the ball into the middle following a corner, but Nüsken intervened just as Caitlin Foord looked set to score. The visitors were now pushing hard for an equaliser, only for Germany to go close at the other end in the 78th minute. Müller released Anyomi through the middle, but her effort struck the outside of the post.

Zicai tested Arnold from distance shortly afterwards (81’), before Dallmann failed to make the most of a one-on-one with the Australia stopper (82’). Germany were firmly on the front foot again and, although Arnold initially denied Zicai, Küver was on hand to turn the ball home following a corner and restore the two-goal advantage (83’).

Mahmutovic then produced an excellent save to deny McNamara in the 88th minute. Wück introduced Laura Freigang and Sophia Kleinherne for Minge and Zicai shortly afterwards (89’), before Australia pulled another goal back through McNamara in stoppage time. Germany had the final say, however, as Nüsken profited from a corner ball to sweep home from close range to seal the 4-2 victory.