Germany starts World Cup year with convincing performance in Karlsruhe

In the stadium at Europaplatz in Karlsruhe, in front of 26 352 spectators, the German women's national team kicked off its World Cup programme with a convincing win against Australia, propelling the team into World Cup preparation with a 4:2 victory story. The match displayed a high tempo from the start, with the German defence already thwarting the guests' first danger after 44 seconds.

The start to the World Cup season was promising, as head coach Christian Wück got his side in Karlsruhe to deliver an overall strong performance. Despite some uncertainties in defence, the team managed to shape the game in a controlled manner and dominate possession phases.

Kössler's Double Strike

Melissa Kössler scored in the 23rd and 30th minute her first goal for the senior national team, securing the 2:0 lead. Her strikes marked the early breakthrough and confirmed her potential on the international stage.

Australia's superstar Sam Kerr reduced the deficit in first‑half stoppage time (45+2) to 2‑1, before Camilla Küver in the 83rd minute widened the gap again to three goals. In second‑half stoppage time Holly McNamara scored for the visitors (90+3) and Sjoeke Nüsken put the final touch (90+4), resulting in a 4‑2 final score.

Sjoeke Nüsken secures dramatic start to World Cup preparation

Next Test Against Japan

The victory provides a strong start for the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Brazil (June 24 to July 25). Next Tuesday at 17:45, Germany will meet Japan in Bremen, with the squad largely free from injuries: captain Giulia Gwinn is absent with a left ankle rupture, Ann‑Katrin Berger is being rested and Lea Schüller is missing due to an infection. Following Nicole Anyomi, Wück called up the 18‑year‑old Luzie Zähringer, while Lisa Baum from Arsenal made her debut and could earn her first call‑up for the forthcoming internationals.

At kickoff the Australians pressed for a chance already after 44 seconds, with Sam Kerr testing German goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic with a heel‑shot. Janina Minge captained the German side, while Carlotta Wamser delivered a precise cross in the 23rd minute that Kett headed – the ball eventually found its way to Kössler. In the second half Wück made several substitutions, bringing on Marie Müller and Anyomi and injecting fresh impetus into the game.

The official scorers list reads: Kössler 23′ and 30′, Kerr 45+2′, Küver 83′, McNamara 90+3′, Nüsken 90+4′. In total, 26 352 spectators watched the match, which ended with a 4‑2 result. The German line‑up featured Mahmutovic in goal, Wamser, Minge, Küver and Kett in defence, and Nüsken, Senß, Zicai, Brand, Bühl and Kössler in midfield and attack.