Cruel ‘reality check’ key for Tillies stars to elevate World Cup auditions | Sam Kerr on targ…

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Cruel ‘reality check’ key for Tillies stars to elevate World Cup auditions

A cruel “reality check” from Germany could be the awakening the Matildas need heading into the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, according to Craig Foster.

Joe Montemurro needed little time to see the weaknesses in his team’s tactics, as Australia’s beloved national team suffered a 4-2 loss to Germany on Saturday.

Germany celebrate after their fourth goal against the Matildas. Getty Images

Germany needed half an hour to find the back of the net twice, with countless chances presented before those two goals also.

While Australia did manage to hit back via Sam Kerr in the final minute of stoppage time, Foster was critical of the lack of grit the team showed.

Sam Kerr on target but Matildas outclassed by youthful Germany in European friendly

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For a moment, it felt like the Matildas were back. Ellie Carpenter took off down the right wing, eating up the metres with the ball at her feet, bouncing a pass off Hayley Raso before chipping a cross to the front post for Sam Kerr to angle into the far corner.

Just ignore the fact it took 45 minutes to get there, that Australia were already 2-0 down, and that it was a rare attacking moment for a team who were outplayed, outmuscled, outrun and outshot for most of the rest of the game.

Kerr injured as Matildas slump to costly defeat to Germany

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The Matildas have been dealt a reality check as they ramp up their FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations, suffering a 4-2 defeat to an understrength Germany.

With limited international windows remaining before next year’s global showpiece event in Brazil, Friday’s (Saturday AEDT) clash against the world No.3 in Karlsruhe was crucial.

Headlines before the game were dominated by the absence of Manchester City star Mary Fowler, who cited personal reasons for her absence, and she was missed as the Germans scored the opening two goals.

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