Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt score maiden goals for Matildas in win over Germany

Kyra Cooney-Cross scored one of the great Matildas goals as the Australians secured a confidence-boosting win over Germany.

Interim coach Tom Sermanni says the “foundation” for the Matildas’ 2026 Asian Cup campaign has been laid with a fighting and confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Germany.

Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt scored their first goals for the Matildas as Australia fought back from a goal down in Duisburg on Tuesday morning (AEDT).

Germany dominated the early stages of the contest, taking the lead in just the fifth minute through Selina Cerci.

However, the Matildas overcame a nervous start to record their first win over the Germans since 2005.

“It restores confidence in individual players, it restores confidence in the team and it brings that belief back,’’ said Sermanni, who has taken charge of the side in a caretaker capacity after the departure of previous coach Tony Gustavsson following the Matildas’ forgettable Paris Olympics performance.

The strike. Picture: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

And the celebration. Picture: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

“The great thing we showed was that character and that determination. We hung in and we showed a great deal of determination and pride.

“We’re looking at this as the start of our preparation for the Asian Cup, so hopefully this is a great foundation.”

A piece of individual brilliance from Arsenal midfielder Cooney-Cross in her 50th appearance for the Matildas gave the visitors an equaliser in the 39th minute.

Having been gifted possession by Cerci, Cooney-Cross was quick to spot German goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line before unleashing a floating effort from almost 40m out that sailed over the back-pedalling custodian and into the back of the net.

“That just shows how much quality and ability she has and vision – one of the great goals,” Sermanni said.

“She’s got all the qualities of a midfield player that you want at this level.”

Tottenham defender Hunt then headed home the winner from a Steph Catley corner in the 77th minute.

It completed an impressive comeback from the Matildas, who 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 pounce, with Vivien Endemann delivering a cross into the path of Cerci, whose header hit the head of Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold on its way to the back of the net.

FULL TIME | A history-making win in Duisburg as we defeat Germany for the first time in 19 years! 💪

Goals to Kyra Cooney-Cross & Clare Hunt give us the win!#Matildas#GERvAUSpic.twitter.com/jfJWOhOO24

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 28, 2024

The Matildas continued to struggle defensively and needed the woodwork to avoid going two goals down in the eighth minute when a shot from Felicitas Rauch hit the base of the post.

The Australians eventually settled, with forward Caitlin Foord having two good chances to equalise in the 22nd and 25th minutes.

However, on both occasions she was foiled by German keeper Johannes.

Soon after the Matildas were forced into an earlier-than-expected substitution when defender Kaitlyn Torpey was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

She was replaced by striker Michelle Heyman as the Australians changed formation in switching to a back four after starting the match with five players in defence.

Cooney-Cross then provided the inspiration before Hunt sealed the win as the Australians completed an undefeated international window after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

Sermanni, who described the performance in Zurich as “passive”, made two changes to the team that started on the weekend.

Having come off the bench against the Swiss due to fitness concerns, 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 dropping back to the bench.

The Germans had hoped to celebrate retiring forward Alexandra Popp’s final appearance with a win.

Popp was given a standing ovation as she was replaced 15 minutes into the contest.

Originally published as Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt score maiden goals for Matildas in win over Germany