Matildas rack up a huge upset win over Germany thanks to a goal you have to see to believe
- Australians won 2-1 against heavy favorites
- Kyra Cooney-Cross equalized with a special shot
Kyra Cooney-Cross has marked her 50th cap with a wonder goal and Clare Hunt also scored a first international header to gift Australia the most unlikely, celebratory 2-1 win over Germany in Duisburg.
Germany dominated the early stages of the match and took the lead in the fifth minute through Selina Cerci.
However, under interim coach Tom Sermanni, the Matildas overcame a nervous start to record their first victory over the Germans since 2005.
A display of individual brilliance from Arsenal midfielder Cooney-Cross in her 50th appearance for the Matildas gave the visitors an equalizer in the 39th minute.
Cooney-Cross, having been given possession by Cerci, quickly spotted German goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line before unleashing a floating effort from almost 40 yards out that sailed over the back-kicking guard and into the back of the net.
Tottenham defender Hunt then headed home the winner from Steph Catley’s corner in the 77th minute.
It completed an impressive comeback for the Matildas, who needed a confidence boost after a disappointing Paris Olympics under former coach Tony Gustavsson.
More than 26,000 people were there to say goodbye to national hero Alexandra Popp, who made 144 appearances for Germany – but the Matildas crashed the party despite taking a while to get back into the swing of things.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (centre) is mobbed by her teammates after scoring a special goal from about 40 yards out to level the scores in Germany
Cooney-Cross’ first goal for the Matildas was a stunning floating effort that just cleared the keeper 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 strike, with Vivien Endemann delivering a cross into the path of Cerci, whose header struck the head of Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie who headed in from close range.
The Matildas continued to struggle defensively and needed the woodwork to avoid falling two goals behind in the eighth minute when Felicitas Rauch’s shot hit the base of the post.
The Australians eventually settled down, with forward Caitlin Foord having two good chances to equalize in the 22nd and 25th minutes.
Both times, however, she was foiled by German goalkeeper Johannes.
Shortly afterwards, the Matildas were forced into an earlier-than-expected substitution when defender Kaitlyn Torpey was forced out with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
She was replaced by striker Michelle Heyman as the Australians changed formation by switching to a back four after starting the match with five players in defense.
Clare Hunt (right) scored her first international goal to put the Matildas ahead
Pictured: Mary Fowler contesting possession during the Aussies’ side-kick win
Cooney-Cross then provided the inspiration before Hunt sealed victory as the Australians completed an unbeaten international spell following 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 fitness issues, captain and Arsenal defender Catley returned to the starting team at the expense of Courtney Nevin.
Midfielder Clare Wheeler was also recalled, with veteran Tameka Yallop dropped to the bench.
The Germans had hoped to celebrate retired striker Alexandra Popp’s final appearance with a victory.
Popp received a standing ovation when she was replaced fifteen minutes into the match.
