Kossler double leads Germany to 4-2 friendly win over Australia

Germany beat Australia 4-2 in their women's international friendly in Karlsruhe, with Melissa Kossler scoring twice and Sam Kerr and Holly McNamara replying for the Matildas. According to the Guardian's match report, Germany established a two-goal lead before half-time and finished the scoring through Sjoeke Nusken after Australia had reduced the deficit in stoppage time.

Watch the highlights:

The hosts applied pressure from the opening stages, registering seven shots to Australia's two inside 20 minutes. Their opening goal began with a cross from Carlotta Wamser. Franziska Kett won the aerial contest against Ellie Carpenter and headed the ball over goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, leaving Kossler to finish from close range for her first international goal.

Kossler added her second before the half-hour after Elisa Sens recovered possession near the centre circle. With Australia having pushed players forward, Kossler accelerated away from Winonah Heatley, moved inside Steph Catley and beat Arnold with a low finish. The two goals gave Germany control of the score as well as the early balance of chances.

Kerr brought Australia back into the contest in first-half stoppage time. Carpenter exchanged passes with Hayley Raso on the right before crossing for the captain to head into the far corner. Kerr had earlier gone off briefly after contact from Nusken, but returned to play and score. The report did not establish a subsequent injury diagnosis.

Australia were without Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Alanna Kennedy, although their starting side still had more than 1,000 international appearances between them, compared with Germany's 325. Coach Joe Montemurro introduced McNamara, Courtney Nevin, Alana Murphy and Leticia McKenna during the second half. Germany also threatened through substitutes Nicole Anyomi and Linda Dallman, with Arnold making saves to keep Australia within reach.

Three further goals arrived late. Camilla Kuver headed Germany into a 3-1 lead inside the final 10 minutes, before McNamara converted a pass from Caitlin Foord two minutes into stoppage time. Australia had again cut the margin to one, but Nusken struck a half-volley following a corner in the final minute to settle the result. It was the Matildas' first defeat of the international window.