Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The Matildas have suffered a reality check ahead of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, losing 4-2 to Germany in Karlsruhe.
It was a scoreline that flattered the Australians, who were outclassed by the world’s number three ranked women’s football nation
Despite the Matildas being second-best for the entire contest, a stoppage-time goal from substitute Holly McNamara cut Germany’s lead in half.
However, another injury-time goal, this time from German midfielder Sjoeke Nusken, ensured the final score better reflected the hosts’ dominance.
In his ongoing preparations for the 2027 World Cup, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro will hope for an improved display on Wednesday morning (AEDT) when the Australians meet Haiti in France.
Despite being dominated by on Saturday morning, the Matildas made almost a perfect start, with midfielder Clare Wheeler and right-back Ellie Carpenter combining to open up Germany’s defence in the first minute.
It led to Carpenter feeding captain Sam Kerr, but the captain’s flashy flick went straight to goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic.
The hosts then had their own chance to grab the lead two minutes later through Cora Zicai, but the attacker wasted the opportunity, blazing her shot over the crossbar.
However, it was an early warning sign for the Australians, with the Germans taking control of the contest.
Nusken spurned another chance for the home team in the 16th minute, but Germany didn’t have to wait much longer to score the game’s first goal.
It seemed far too easy for Australia’s liking, with a far-post cross Carlotta Wamser finding teammate Franziska Kett, whose header was only partially parried by Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The ball would have crossed the goal-line but unmarked striker Melissa Kossler made sure of it to give her side a 23rd-minute lead.
Kossler doubled her team’s advantage seven minutes later with a long-distance strike that Arnold should have saved.
The chance came after Matildas veteran Emily van Egmond lost possession while the Australians were in attack.
It was the story of the first-half, with the German midfield’s pressure too much for the visitors to handle.
Despite being outclassed, Australia halved Germany’s lead in first-half stoppage-time with a smart header after being first to a near-post header from Carpenter
The Matildas had a chance to equalise in the 56th minute, but were denied by the woodwork, with a shot from Wheeler smashing into the crossbar.
With the Matildas pushing forward, it left them exposed in defence, with Germany having late chances to extend their lead.
The inevitable match-sealing goal was to come in the 83rd minute through a header from defender Camilla Kuver after keeper Arnold failed to reach a corner.
McNamara then gave the Matildas hope in injury-time, however Nusken was quick to re-establish Germany’s more than deserved two-goal advantage.
Fresh faces
Emerging talents Alana Murphy and Leticia McKenna got game time after Montemurro made four changes in the 64th minute.
Experienced trio Kerr, van Egmond and Steph Catley were among the players substituted, with Amy Sayer also being replaced.
Entering the contest along with midfielders Murphy and McKenna were attacker Holly McNamara and defender Courtney Nevin.
There was also to be a late Matildas debut, with defender Tori Tumeth coming on in the dying stages.
“We’ve got some players we believe will be in line for the squad in June, and it’s great to see them under these real circumstances,” Montemurro told Paramount Plus.
“It’s important to see the adaptability of players who can come in and continue that idea of football.”
