Matildas LIVE updates: Fowler missing as Australians take on world No.3 Germany

Frances HoweUpdated October 10, 2026 — 5:52am,first published 5:11amKey Posts5.52amMackenzie Arnold makes a comfortable save as Germany fire warning shotsBy Senss gets her right foot to the ball outside the box but it’s an easy catch for Mackenzie Arnold. Zicai has another attempt at the 15-minute mark before again, Germany narrow in on Australia’s goal as Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nusken shoots wide to the left and Brand shoots missess too high and too wide to the right.Germany are finding their chances most often by turnovers in their attacking half. I bet the stats at half-time will show far fewer completed passes for Australia and this lack of discipline is the key difference behind the sides so far.Australia 0-0 Germany, 16 minutes5.41amTeams tussle for dominance By Neither side is looking particularly more dominant than the other so far as the Matildas set up another opportunity and Amy Sayer gets a shot off, but it’s easily blocked by Germany’s defenders.Just as soon, the ball is back up the other end of the pitch before eventually Clare Wheeler is fouled by Elisa Senss.Australia 0-0 Germany, 8 minutes5.37amRising star starts Germany’s chances on goalBy Just as the Matildas get a shot off early, so do Germany and it’s come from Wolfsburg’s Cora Zicai, who is only 21. She aims too high and the Matildas get away with this one as they did with Klara Buhl’s moments before.Australia 0-0 Germany, 5 minutes5.34amKick-off!By The match is under way and Australia are high in their attacking half early on with a cross from Ellie Carpenter to set up a back heel shot for Sam Kerr. That would have been a delightful start but either way, it’s promising. Australia 0-0 Germany, 1 minute5.30amThe players are out By It’s time for the Australian and German anthems before kick-off. Both teams are out, lined up and ready to sing. Germany’s players pose for a team photo before kick-off.Getty Images5.28amAustralians in Germany show up for the matchBy Australian fans inside the stadium in Karlsruhe, Germany before kick-off.Getty Images for Football AustraliaOne fan is after Sam Kerr’s autograph. Getty Images for Football AustraliaAnother fan holds a homemade sign. Getty Images for Football Australia5.20amThe players are warming upBy Sam Kerr and Remy Siemsen are out on the pitch. Getty Images for Football AustraliaThe Matildas warm up before the match against Germany at BBBank Wildspark in Karlsruhe. Getty Images for Football AustraliaGermany’s Jule Brand stretches before the match. Getty Images5.11amMatildas’ starting XIBy This is easily Joe Montemurro’s strongest side – of his available players. While we may see some new talent come off the bench in this friendly series, it’s far more likely to happen in the match against Haiti in France next week. As Montemurro has said before, he has no interest in giving players a go for the sake of it. If the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup was starting tomorrow, you’d almost definitely have Alanna Kennedy, Mary Fowler – she’s notably absent, making headlines this week for her late withdrawal – and Kyra Cooney-Cross in the starting lineup. 5.11amGermany’s starting XIBy 1 of 2