- The Australians beat the big favorites 2-1
- Kyra Cooney-Cross equalized with a special shot
Kyra Cooney-Cross celebrated her 50th international cap with a wonder goal and Clare Hunt also scored a first international header to give Australia the most improbable and thrilling 2-1 win over Germany in Duisburg.
Germany dominated the early stages of the match, taking the lead just in the fifth minute thanks to Selina Cerci.
However, under interim coach Tom Sermanni, the Matildas overcame a nervous start to claim their first victory over the Germans since 2005.
Some individual brilliance from Arsenal midfielder Cooney-Cross in her 50th appearance for the Matildas gave the visitors a 39th-minute equaliser.
Having received possession from Cerci, Cooney-Cross was quick to spot German goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line before unleashing a floating effort from nearly 40 yards that sailed over the retreating goalkeeper and into the back of the net. the network.
Tottenham defender Hunt then headed the winning goal from a Steph Catley corner in the 77th minute.
It completed an impressive comeback for the Matildas, who needed a confidence boost after a disappointing Paris Olympics campaign under former coach Tony Gustavsson.
A crowd of more than 26,000 was on hand to see off national hero Alexandra Popp, who racked up 144 appearances for Germany, but the Matildas ruined the party even though it took them a while to get back on track.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (centre) is mobbed by her team-mates after scoring a special goal from around 40 yards to level the score in Germany.
Cooney-Cross’ first goal for the Matildas was a stunning, floating effort that cleared past the goalkeeper from a ridiculous distance (pictured).
The Australians started the match poorly, with Cerci giving Germany an early lead after Cooney-Cross lost the ball in her own half.
The hosts were quick to attack, with Vivien Endemann sending a cross into the path of Cerci, whose header hit the head of Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie, who headed home from close range.
The Matildas continued to struggle defensively and needed the post to avoid losing two goals in the eighth minute when Felicitas Rauch’s shot hit the base of the post.
The Australians finally settled, and forward Caitlin Foord had two good chances to equalize in the 22nd and 25th minutes.
However, on both occasions she was thwarted by German goalkeeper Johannes.
Shortly after, the Matildas were forced to make an earlier-than-expected substitution when defender Kaitlyn Torpey was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
She was replaced by forward Michelle Heyman when the Australians changed formation and moved to a back four after starting the match with five players in defence.
Clare Hunt (right) scored her first international goal to put the Matildas ahead
In the photo: Mary Fowler disputes possession during the Australians’ victory
Cooney-Cross then provided the inspiration before Hunt sealed the victory as the Australians completed an unbeaten international window after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Zurich.
Sermanni made two changes to the team that started this weekend.
After coming off the bench against the Swiss due to health problems, Arsenal captain and defender Catley returned to the starting team at the expense of Courtney Nevin.
Midfielder Clare Wheeler was also called up, and veteran Tameka Yallop returned to the bench.
The Germans hoped to celebrate the last appearance of retired forward Alexandra Popp with a victory.
Popp received a standing ovation when she was replaced 15 minutes into the contest.
