Former Ninja A-League star Kyra Cooney-Cross scored an incredible long-range goal as the CommBank Matildas stunned Germany 2-1 in an international friendly – just the second time Australia have beaten the two-time world champions.
Cooney-Cross – who won an A-Leagues Premiership and Championship with Melbourne Victory before joining Women’s Super League (WSL) giants Arsenal in 2023 – found the back of the net from just inside the halfway line in Duisburg on Tuesday (AEDT).
The 23-year-old’s stunning 39th-minute goal cancelled out Germany’s fifth-minute opener and marked Cooney-Cross’ first goal for Australia in her 50th international appearance as she became the second fastest Matilda to reach the milestone.
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Former Western Sydney Wanderers star Clare Hunt – now playing for Tottenham in the WSL – clinched the victory against the 2024 Olympic Games bronze medallists 13 minutes from the end. It was her first goal for the Matildas.
It is only the second time the Matildas – who played out a 1-1 draw with Switzerland over the weekend – have beaten Germany and the first since 2005. The man who orchestrated the win was interim head coach Tom Sermanni, who is Western Sydney’s Head of Women’s Football.
Canberra United and A-Leagues legend Michelle Heyman came off the bench in the 37th minute, replacing ex-Melbourne City star Kaitlyn Torpey before she was withdrawn for Brisbane Roar sensation Sharn Freier with 23 minutes remaining.
Roar’s Tameka Yallop was introduced during the closing stages as German legend Alexandra Popp farewelled the international arena.
Heyman and Canberra kick-off their campaign against a Roar side boasting Freier and Yallop at McKellar Park on Saturday.
Chloe Lincoln’s Western United, meanwhile, host Wellington Phoenix in the Ninja A-League’s curtain raiser on Friday night.
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