Just eight months out from the World Cup in Brazil, the Matildas continued their build up with a testing fixture against world No.3 Germany.
With many familiar faces missing for the Matildas including the likes of Mary Fowler and Clare Hunt, the class of the Germans told in the end as they ran out 4-2 winners in an entertaining contest.
Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr celebrate. Getty Images for Football Australia
Nine.com.au ran through five talking points from the game.
Ellie Carpenter magic
She continued her sparkling run of form and provided a constant attacking outlet for the Matildas. She also provided the cross for Sam Kerr to head home her 76th goal for the national team.
Carpenter’s improved final ball coupled with a growing maturity has the Matildas dynamic right full back positioned as one of the key pieces for head coach Joe Montemurro heading into next year’s World Cup.
Arnold concerns
Mackenzie Arnold’s sluggish display was highlighted by her inability to move sharply in preventing Melissa Kossler’s second strike.
Germany’s third goal came from a corner, and Arnold was caught out.
This is starting to become a concern for Montemurro
Arnold has been the Matilda’s undisputed number one since the 2023 World Cup, but with pressure now coming from the likes of Tegan Michah, who was ruled out of the latest squad due to her recovery from concussion, questions will arise whether she is the best option going forward.
Fresh faces stand up
With a number of experienced players missing from the Matildas squad, Montemurro had the chance to have a look at a couple of fresh faces.
Mackenzie Arnold blocks the shot from Melissa Kossler. Getty Images
Tori Tumeth earned her first international cap after impressing since her move to the Vancouver Rise in the Northern Super League in April.
Wini Heatley and Amy Sayer gained valuable experience against a multi-talented German outfit by starting the match.
Montemurro also gave the likes of Alana Murphy and Leticia McKenna minutes as he looks to build a deep and competitive squad for next year’s World Cup.
Amy Sayer got some valuable experience by starting. Getty Images
Midfield balance
A key area for Montemurro will be the midfield balance and what combination will best serve the Matildas.
The German movement and mobility caused issues throughout – even the highly experienced Emily Van Egmond struggled to cover the space, which Germany exploited.
Montemurro will be aware he needs to find a solution when it comes to the engine room in the middle of the park and will be hoping the likes of Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry and Alanna Kennedy will be available in the next international window.
High-class test
Montemurro wanted exactly that for his Matildas squad, and he will be pleased with the quality that his squad was faced with.
Despite disappointing performance at the last few major tournaments, Germany is undefeated in 2026 and are building well heading into next year’s World Cup.
Germany were a high-class opponent and dominated the match. Getty Images
Montemurro would have learnt plenty from the defeat and will be looking to build on these learnings as the Matildas now prepare for a clash against Haiti.
Speaking post-match, Montemurro was relatively upbeat as he pointed to a number of defensive lapses which cost his team.
“From the sideline, it looked like we gave them more opportunities than they created,” said Montemurro.
