Germany W hold off Australia to claim 4–2 friendly win

Germany started their road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a 4–2 win over Australia on Friday.

For much of the evening, Germany looked in control. They moved the ball with purpose, created chances and made Australia work to keep up. Sam Kerr’s goal just before half-time gave the Matildas a way back into the game, and two late goals from Australia and Germany made for a nervy finish.

There was also a milestone for Vancouver Rise fans. Defender Tori Tumeth came off the bench to make her senior international debut for the Matildas, marking another step forward after her move to Canada’s Northern Super League.

Germany make their chances count

Australia threatened almost immediately. Kerr tested goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic inside the opening minute, but Germany settled quickly and began to take control of possession.

The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute through Franziska Kett. Germany continued to press, and Melissa Kössler doubled the lead seven minutes later, finishing after Elisa Senß found her with a well-timed pass.

For Kössler, the goals were more than just a strong performance. They were her first at senior international level, a reward for a player looking to establish herself in the national team.

Germany had chances to extend their advantage with Cora Zicai among those looking dangerous in attack. Australia remained in the contest, and their captain made sure the game was far from settled before the break.

Kerr brings Australia back into it

Just as Germany looked ready to head into half-time with a comfortable two-goal cushion, Kerr found the net in stoppage time. Her header cut the deficit to 2–1 and gave Australia something to build on after the interval.

The Matildas came out with renewed energy. Clare Wheeler struck the underside of the crossbar, coming close to an equaliser and reminding Germany that their lead was anything but safe.

Germany continued to create opportunities, but they struggled to put the game away. Nicole Anyomi, Linda Dallmann and Zicai all had chances as Australia worked to stay within reach.

The longer the match remained at 2–1, the more the result felt open.

A Vancouver Rise milestone

Tumeth’s debut added another storyline to the evening for fans following the growth of the Northern Super League.

The defender joined Vancouver Rise in 2026 after several seasons in Australia’s A-League Women. She made an immediate impression in Canada, scoring in Rise’s 2–2 draw with Montréal Roses FC before earning her first senior Matildas call-up.

After watching from the bench for most of Friday’s match, Tumeth entered in the 87th minute, replacing Winonah Heatley. It was a brief appearance, but an important one: her first minutes with Australia’s senior national team.

Her journey is another reminder of how the women’s game is connecting players and leagues across borders. A move to a new competition can offer a different challenge, but can also provide a platform to keep pushing for international recognition.

For Vancouver, Tumeth’s debut offered a moment to celebrate beyond the club season. For the defender herself, it was the beginning of a new chapter with the Matildas.

Late goals seal the result

Germany finally found some breathing room in the 83rd minute when Camilla Küver headed home to make it 3–1.

Australia refused to disappear. Substitute Holly McNamara scored in the 90th minute to bring the deficit back to one, setting up a tense finish and briefly giving the Matildas hope of a remarkable comeback.

Germany responded almost immediately. Sjoeke Nüsken scored in stoppage time to restore the two-goal advantage and put the result beyond doubt.

Germany finished with 58 per cent possession and 19 shots, 11 of them on target. Australia managed 10 shots, with seven testing Mahmutovic, and showed enough in the second half to expose areas Germany will want to tighten up.

Head coach Christian Wück was pleased with his team's quality and growing connections, but he also recognised the lesson in conceding just before half-time. Germany will need to manage those moments better against tougher opposition.

The win gives Germany a positive start to their World Cup season, while Australia can take encouragement from their response after falling two goals behind.

Both teams have already qualified for Brazil 2027, so these friendlies are about more than the result. They are a chance to test combinations, build confidence and give new faces opportunities to prove they belong.

Germany face Japan next on Tuesday, while Australia turn their attention to Haiti.