The DFB-Frauen opened their World Cup preparation season with a hard-fought 4–2 victory against Australia at the Wildparkstadion in Karlsruhe, overcoming defensive lapses and a wave of roster injuries as newcomer Melissa Kössler scored twice.
Melissa Kössler Leads the Attack With Two Goals
Playing in front of 26,352 spectators on Friday evening, the German women’s national team controlled long stretches of the match against the 2023 World Cup fourth-place finishers, zdf.de reported. Head coach Christian Wück deployed a revamped starting lineup that featured Ena Mahmutovic in goal and a forward line anchored by Melissa Kössler. The 26-year-old forward broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute by finishing off a header from Franziska Kett, which followed a precise cross from Carlotta Wamser. Just seven minutes later, Kössler struck again, latching onto a through-ball from Elisa Senß and driving a low shot past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold from 17 meters out to double the lead. In the first minute, Sam Kerr had reminded everyone with a backheel that she is among the world’s strongest attacking players. Wück noted that it was no casting
while adding that of course we are drawing our conclusions.
Already after a few minutes, the tension of the 53-year-old likely gave way to a certain relaxation as his footballers accepted the challenge.
Injuries and Defensive Breakdowns Challenge the Squad
Wück had dimmed expectations prior to the fixture due to a severe injury crisis affecting the squad ahead of preparations for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The team was already missing starting central defenders Kathrin Hendrich and Rebecca Knaak due to injuries, while goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger took a scheduled break. Wück stated before the match that it was no secret that not everything is currently going the way we imagine in a pink sky,
noting that some nominees were not regular starters at their clubs and that then the injuries were added.
These are conditions that challenge us.
Despite the early dominance, defensive vulnerabilities allowed Australia back into the game just before halftime, as Samantha Kerr scored in first-half stoppage time.
A Turbulent Finish Secures the Result
Camilla Küver seemingly put the match out of reach in the 83rd minute by heading in a corner kick from Dallmann for her first international goal. However, Australia mounted a late surge when Holly McNamara scored in the 90th minute following a close-range scramble and a previous collision with Mahmutovic in the 73rd minute that left the German goalkeeper with a cut lip. Sjoeke Nüsken quickly erased any lingering tension in the fourth minute of stoppage time, redirecting another corner past Arnold to establish the 4–2 final scoreline. Wück expressed annoyance that we bring an opponent back into the game who was completely out,
adding that that must not happen to us.
Squad Formations and Match Details
Germany began the fixture with Mahmutovic in goal, supported by a backline of Wamser, Minge, Küver, and Kett. Senß and Nüsken controlled the central midfield, flanked by Bühl and Cora Zicai, with Jule Brand operating behind lone striker Kössler. Australia countered with an experienced side directed by coach Joe Montemurro, featuring Arnold in goal alongside captain Steph Catley, Carpenter, and Kerr leading the attack before a series of second-half changes.
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