CommBank Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni has guided the side to defeat Olympic Bronze Medalists Germany 2-1.
Sermanni has taken a leave of temporary absence from his role as Head of Women’s football at the Wanderers to fully dedicate his time to the interim head coach role with the CommBank Matildas.
Cooney-Cross’ goal was achieved in her milestone 50th appearance. She is the second-fastest Australian to reach 50 CommBank Matildas caps.
The game was also a special occasion for debutant Winonah Heatley. She became CommBank Matilda #230 after being introduced in the 66th minute.
The match was only the second time that the CommBank Matildas have defeated the two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, and the first since 2005.
Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni made two changes to the team that took on Switzerland last week. Steph Catley came in for Courtney Nevin, and Clare Wheeler started in midfield in place of Tameka Yallop.
They lined up in the 5-3-2 formation introduced last week in order to ensure defensive solidity while providing a threat in transition.
Germany started the game brightly, consistently posing a threat to Australia’s goal, dominating shots and possession.
They were able to capitalise on that early pressure. Hoffenheim’s Selina Cerci made no mistake in front of goal, converting a header after a cross in to give the home side the lead.
The 15th minute saw an emotional moment for the German crowd, as the legendary Alexandra Popp was withdrawn from the field of play in an international fixture for the final time.
Australia managed to gain a foothold in the match after that point. Caitlin Foord was the focal point of the attack, forcing two saves in quick succession in the 22nd and 25th minutes.
A remarkable moment soon turned the game on its head. After receiving the ball from a turnover in midfield, Kyra Cooney-Cross looked up and saw goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line.
Her shot from near halfway was hit with pinpoint accuracy to lob over Johannes and equalise for Australia.
Incredibly, the goal marked her first ever in international football. There could not be many more spectacular ways to bring it up.
Australia’s first substitution was a forced one just before half-time, with Kaitlyn Torpey unable to continue at right wing-back due to injury. Michelle Heyman was her replacement.
Half-time saw another substitution, Emily van Egmond coming on to replace Katrina Gorry in a like-for-like change in midfield.
Germany started the second half in the same manner as the first, putting immense pressure on Australia’s defence. However, the CommBank Matildas held firm, and always looked threatening on the break.
Sermanni introduced two more players in the 66th minute. Winonah Heatley – involved in national teams camps since 2022 – was among them, coming on for her first ‘A’ International appearance.
Sharn Freier was the other substitute, with Wheeler and Heyman withdrawn.
Australia took the lead in the 78th minute. Steph Catley swung in a corner that found the head of centre-back Clare Hunt. The 25-year-old headed it past Johannes for her first international goal, and gave the CommBank Matildas the lead.
Germany pushed for the equaliser in the final moments. Arnold was forced into arguably her finest save of the match, reflexively diving to her right after a shot came in from a crowded penalty area.
The CommBank Matildas were able to hold on to secure a famous victory and start their new cycle with aplomb.
Attention now turns to the international window in November/December, when the CommBank Matildas will take on Brazil and Chinese Taipei at home.
