Kössler double helps Germany beat Australia 4-2 in Karlsruhe

Melissa Kössler scored twice as Germany beat Australia 4-2 in a women's international friendly in Karlsruhe on October 9. The German football federation's match report recorded a crowd of 26,352 at BBBank Wildpark, where the hosts led 2-1 at half-time before both teams scored again in a busy finish.

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Kössler put Germany ahead in the 23rd minute and doubled the advantage in the 30th. According to the federation, her opener followed a Carlotta Wamser cross and a Franziska Kett header that goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold saved, leaving Kössler to finish. Elisa Senß then supplied the pass for Kössler's second, a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Sam Kerr's header in first-half stoppage time kept Australia within one goal. German broadcaster NDR reported that coach Christian Wück praised his players' effort and singled out Kössler, whose goals were her first for the senior national side. But he also criticised Germany's failure to preserve their two-goal cushion until the interval, saying the lapse had allowed Australia back into the contest.

The visitors came close to drawing level after the restart. NDR reported that Clare Wheeler struck the underside of the crossbar in the 56th minute after a corner. Germany later threatened through substitute Nicole Anyomi, whose shot Arnold diverted onto a post. Linda Dallmann and Cora Zicai also had efforts stopped as the home side sought a third goal.

Camilla Küver made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute, scoring her first international goal following a corner, according to the federation. Holly McNamara reduced Australia's deficit during added time, but Sjoeke Nüsken answered with Germany's fourth after another corner. The two late goals left the final margin at two, despite Australia twice getting back within a single goal during the match.

NDR reported that Lisa Baum made her Germany debut as Wück used his substitutes during the second half. Germany's next match is against Japan in Bremen on Tuesday, continuing their preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.