Germany 1 – 2 Australia: Initial reactions and observations

The Germany women’s national team is back in action.

After an impressive display against England on Friday in Christian Wück’s introduction as national team head coach, the Germans will face off against Australia.

With Bayern Munich’s Lea Schüller out, RB Leipzig’s Giovanna Hoffmann led the line for a formidable German attack that managed four goals against the Lionesses. It was a top-to-bottom impressive performance last time out — featuring also a brace from Bayern full-back Giulia Gwinn and a goal and assist from Bayern winger Klara Bühl. But, like the men’s team, this roster is a little bit Bayern-light…and it is proving to be a wonderful opportunity for the rest of Germany’s talent pool to assert itself.

Match coverage starting below!

Germany 1 – 2 Australia: Initial reactions and observations

That’s a wrap. Germany looked in control but let it slip on the new coach’s home debut, spoiling the send-off for national team legend Alexandra Popp. After beating England 4-3 this will go down as a disappointment. Despite positives, there will be questions now only the next international period can answer.

77’ — GOAL! Australia strike again!

Australia is fashioning as many real chances as Germany lately, with several good set piece positions in a row. They finally hit paydirt on a corner from Stephanie Catley, whose delivery escapes the reach of Johannes and arrives for Clare Hunt.

59’ — Germany substitutions

Pia-Sophie Walter, Linda Dallmann, and Jule Brand come on near the hour mark to inject some energy into the game. Giulia Gwinn, Selina Cerci, and Klara Bühl make way.

46’ — Welcome back Lina!

Former Bayern Munich star Lina Magull is back in the national team picture and comes on at the break! Magull did not even appear to be on the substitute’s list but that isn’t stopping her. Lisanne Gräwe makes way. Sophia Kleinherne also comes on, for Janina Minge.

Half-time! Germany 1 – 1 Australia

Chances abound for both teams as Germany look to pack a punch in chance creation but show some fragility in transition. After an entertaining 45 minutes it’s still anyone’s game.

39’ — GOOOOOOOOOOAL AUSTRALIA!

Oh my word what a goal! Germany finally pay for being loose in possession. This time it is Kyra Cooney-Cross, who wastes no time and launches a rocket from miles outside the goal — she’s probably closer to the half-way line than the penalty box — and beats Johannes, who was off her line and probably expecting a cross.

31’ — WIDE! Germany miss a golden opportunity!

Oh no! A loose ball falls ever so kindly for Vivian Endemann inside the Australia box. She’s all alone, 1-on-1 with the keeper, with time to pick out a shot — and she blazes it wide.

25’ — SAVE! Australia nearly score again!

A lethal ball from midfield finds Foord again. She shrugs off her defenders with a shimmy and gets a clean strike at goal — it’s much better this time, and Johannes has to react instantly to paw it away. Australia knocking on the door now.

22’ — Chance, Australia!

End to end stuff as Australia win the ball and carve through Germany’s defense with a couple of crisp passes. Caitlin Foord is through on goal after splitting the center-backs but fires her shot straight at keeper Stina Johannes.

15’ — Danke, Alexandra!!!!

That’s a wrap on Germany striker Alexandra Popp’s international career. An incredible run for the Olympic Champion, EURO finalist, and three-time Germany footballer of the year. Tears and cheers abound in an emotional send-off. Thank you, Alexandra.

Nicole Anyomi comes on in her place.

8’ — Chance to Germany!

Felicitas Rauch drives inside and fires a long-range curler. She has the keeper soundly beaten but it banks off the right post! Chances are coming thick and heavy for the Germans now, with Klara Bühl following up a minute later.

5’ — GOOAAAAAAL!! 1-0 Germany!!!

Germany press relentlessly and win the ball back after a goal kick. Vivian Endemann carves out a nice piece of real estate on the right flank and delivers an inch-perfect cross, buried by Selina Cerci. The Germans have threatened — now they make good.

In injury news, it looks like Lyon’s Sara Däbritz, Bayern’s Sydney Lohmann, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Laura Freigang are all out for various injury and illness issues — opening the door again for long-time Bayern star Lina Magull, now at Inter Milan:

Match Info

Location: MSV-Arena, Duisburg, Germany

Time: 1:10 PM EDT

TV/streaming: Paramount+, Find Your Country

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