DFB women celebrate 4:2 against Australia

The German footballers started the World Cup season full of enthusiasm and with a lot of momentum. National coach Christian Wück's team prevailed in the tough test against Australia 4:2 (2:1). In front of 26,352 spectators in the almost full Karlsruhe Wildpark Stadium, the DFB women impressed over long stretches against the desired non-European opponent on the way to Brazil 2027.

Melissa Kössler (25th and 30th minutes) excelled with her first two international goals. Sam Kerr, captain and star of the Matildas, reduced the score to 1:2 (45th+2) shortly before the half-time whistle. Wolfsburg's central defender Camilla Küver headed in shortly before the end to make it 3-1 (83'), before Holly McNamara (90'+3) and Sjoeke Nüsken (90'+4) scored in stoppage time.

Kössler, who plays in the USA and previously worked for TSG Hoffenheim and Turbine Potsdam, took advantage of her opportunity as a center forward. A few hours before kick-off, Wück's list of absences had increased: former Munich striker Lea Schüller (Manchester United) had to miss the game due to an infection.

Among other things, captain Giulia Gwinn from FC Bayern was missing after tearing her ligaments. Regular goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger from US club Gotham FC skipped the duels with Australia and Japan next Tuesday (5.45 p.m./ARD) in Bremen. As announced, Gwinn's club colleague Ena Mahmutovic stood between the posts for them. The 22-year-old looked confident in her third international match, although she shot at an opponent once.