Kössler double leads Germany past Australia in six-goal friendly

Germany defeated Australia 4–2 in their women's international friendly in Karlsruhe on Friday, with Melissa Kössler scoring twice before the break. The German football federation's match report recorded an attendance of 26,352 at BBBank Wildpark, where the hosts led 2–1 at half-time before another three goals arrived late in the match.

Kössler opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Carlotta Wamser's cross found Franziska Kett. Mackenzie Arnold stopped Kett's header, but Kössler finished the rebound. Seven minutes later, Elisa Senß supplied the forward after Germany regained possession, and Kössler drove a low shot home to double the advantage, according to the federation.

Australia stayed in contention through Sam Kerr's header in first-half stoppage time. ABC's coverage described Germany as controlling much of the contest, but the Matildas reached the interval only one goal behind. Kerr's intervention meant the early German lead had not put the result beyond Australia's reach.

There were opportunities at both ends after the restart. The federation reported that Clare Wheeler struck the underside of the crossbar following a corner, with the ball eventually reaching goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic. Germany substitute Nicole Anyomi later hit the post, leaving the score at 2–1 as the match entered its closing stages.

Camilla Küver made it 3–1 in the 83rd minute with a header from a corner, ABC reported. Holly McNamara then reduced the deficit in stoppage time, briefly bringing Australia back within a goal. Sjoeke Nüsken responded with Germany's fourth after another corner, restoring the two-goal margin before the final whistle ended the contest.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro made six second-half substitutions, according to ABC's report. Defender Tori Tumeth was among those introduced and made her international debut in the final five minutes. Earlier changes had brought on McNamara, Alana Murphy, Leticia McKenna and Courtney Nevin, replacing Kerr, Steph Catley, Amy Sayer and Emily van Egmond.

The match formed part of preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, as German broadcaster NDR noted. For Germany, Kössler's first two senior international goals and Küver's first senior international goal were milestones within the victory.