Live: Matildas take on world number three Germany in friendly

The Matildas take on world number three Germany to open the October International window, as preparations continue for the fast-approaching Women's World Cup 2027.Australia is without gun Mary Fowler, while Tori Tumeth, Courtney Newbon and Hana Lowry hope for a debut in Karlsruhe.Follow all the action in our live blog below.Sat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:24amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:24amLive scores: Germany vs AustraliaSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:36amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:36amNow Germany with a chanceCora Zicai had a golden opportunity down the other end in front of Mackenzie Arnold, but couldn't get the right touch, spraying the ball wide.A lively start from both sides.GER 0 - 0 AUS, three minsSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:35amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:35amKerr with an early opportunityEllie Carpenter crossed it towards the nets with Sam Kerr lurking, but Germany's goalkeeper got there first.A great aggressive start from Australia.GER 0 - 0 AUS, two minsSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:29amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:29amAnd we're offMatildas and Germany underway at Wildpark Stadium in Karlsruhe.If you're awake and with me, please leave a comment at any time. Let's chat Tillies.An important clash as Australia, currently ranked world No.15, up against the high calibre of Germany, world ranked No.3.All roads lead to the Women's World Cup in Brazil next year. It's Australia's first friendly since June.A fan at Wildpark Stadium in Karlsruhe. (Getty)Sat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:15amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 5:15amGERMANY STARTING XISat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:58amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:58amAUSTRALIA STARTING XISat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:54amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:54amWhat to know about this friendlyFirstly, yes, it's called a 'friendly' but that doesn't mean these upcoming matches against Germany today and Haiti on Wednesday should be treated lightly.These clashes are extremely important preparation for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Both teams have already qualified for the tournament, meaning all focus is on getting ready for it.For the Matildas, a lot of attention is on younger talent. Hoping to debut in these matches is uncapped trio Tori Tumeth, Courtney Newbon and Hana Lowry - all called up for the first time to the squad.Tori Tumeth for Vancouver Rise FC. (Getty)Meanwhile, in-form Charli Grant, Alexia Apostolakis and Daniela Galic will be hoping to get some more national minutes under their belts.Alanna Kennedy and Charlize Rule are unavailable due to injury, while Kyra Cooney-Cross and Mary Fowler are also out.Germany will be without captain Giulia Gwinn and key player Vivien Endemann, who have been replaced by Sarai Linder and Nicole Anyomi.Sat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:39amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:39amWhy no Mary Fowler?Matildas star Mary Fowler made the decision to miss the upcoming friendlies, against Germany today and Haiti on Wednesday, for personal circumstances.She was replaced by Leah Davidson.Fowler is reportedly back in Sydney visiting her partner, Penrith Panthers NRL star Nathan Cleary, as he recovers from a career-threatening broken leg. These are presumably the unexplained “personal circumstances”, but nothing is confirmed.Either way, coach Joe Montemurro has backed Fowler's decision - which you can read more here:Sat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:30amSat 10 Oct 2026 at 4:30amGood morningHello Australia,Who's awake and ready for some Matildas action? Get the kettle on.Australia take on Germany to open the FIFA International Window at Wildpark Stadium in Karlsruche, with kick off at 5:30am AEST.Matildas in Karlsruhe ahead of clash with Germany. (Getty)