Kossler scores twice as Germany beat Australia 4-2 in Karlsruhe

Germany defeated Australia 4-2 in a women's international friendly in Karlsruhe, with Melissa Kossler scoring twice before late goals from Camilla Kuver and Sjoeke Nusken completed the home side's victory. Sam Kerr and Holly McNamara scored for the Matildas. According to the Guardian's match report, Germany controlled much of the contest despite fielding a starting team with considerably less international experience than their opponents.

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Australia were without several regular starters, including Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Alanna Kennedy. Even with those absences, their starting lineup had accumulated more than 1,000 caps, compared with Germany's 325. The hosts nevertheless created the greater early threat, recording seven shots to Australia's two inside the opening 20 minutes, with Cora Zicai and Klara Buhl involved in the early attacking exchanges.

Kossler opened the scoring after Carlotta Wamser delivered a cross towards the far post. Franziska Kett rose above Ellie Carpenter and headed the ball over goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, allowing Kossler to finish from close range for her first international goal. Kossler struck again before the half-hour after Elisa Sens won possession near the centre circle. The forward escaped Winonah Heatley, moved inside Steph Catley and beat Arnold with a low finish.

Kerr reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time after Carpenter combined with Hayley Raso on the right and crossed for the Australia captain to head in. Earlier, Kerr had briefly left the field following contact from Nusken but was able to return. Her goal sent Australia into the interval trailing 2-1 after a half in which Germany had limited their attacking opportunities.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro made second-half changes, with Kerr, Catley, Amy Sayer and Emily van Egmond giving way to McNamara, Courtney Nevin, Alana Murphy and Leticia McKenna. Germany continued to produce chances, and Arnold denied substitutes Nicole Anyomi and Linda Dallman when both found themselves through against the goalkeeper. The Matildas struggled to sustain possession and create clear openings after the changes.

Kuver's header extended Germany's lead to 3-1 during the final 10 minutes. McNamara then finished from a Caitlin Foord pass two minutes into stoppage time to bring Australia within a goal again. Germany answered in the final minute, when Nusken struck a half-volley following a corner to settle the score at 4-2. The result was Australia's first defeat of the international window, with the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil ahead.