Germany faced Australia in Alexandra Popp’s farewell match, resulting in a 2-1 defeat. Popp, substituted early to cheers, passed the captain’s armband to Giulia Gwinn. Selina Cerci initially gave Germany the lead, but Kyra Cooney-Cross equalized before Clare Hunt scored the winner. Despite several changes and strong performances from Stina Johannes, the team struggled to penetrate Australia’s defense. Popp’s significant contributions to the national team were highlighted, though her final game was bittersweet.
Germany faced a setback against Australia during Alexandra Popp’s farewell from international football. The beloved captain was substituted in the first half to a warm reception from the crowd.
The match began positively for the DFB side with Selina Cerci scoring in the 5th minute. However, just before halftime, Kyra Cooney-Cross leveled the score for the ‘Matildas’ in the 39th minute. The tension escalated in the second half when Clare Hunt found the net in the 77th minute, handing the visitors a late lead and marking the beginning of new national coach Christian Wück’s era on a sour note.
Popp Receives a Fond Farewell
Just 15 minutes into the match, Wück made the decision to substitute the 33-year-old forward, leaving her without the opportunity to score one final goal in front of her home crowd.
As Popp bid farewell to the German fans, she handed the captain’s armband to right-back Giulia Gwinn. Her teammates formed a guard of honor as she left the pitch, receiving a heartfelt round of applause from the 25,500 strong crowd. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nicole Anyomi was brought on to take Popp’s place.
Popp expressed her anticipation for the match against Australia, recognizing it as a significant moment in her career in Duisburg.
First International Match in Duisburg
Born in nearby Witten, Popp made her international debut in Duisburg back in 2010. ‘Wearing the eagle on my chest has always brought me pride and honor, game after game,’ she reflected just before her farewell match. She is only behind Heidi Mohr (83 goals) and the late Birgit Prinz (128 goals) in terms of scoring in a DFB jersey.
Prior to kick-off, the DFB also recognized Popp’s teammates Marina Hegering, who has 42 caps, and Merle Frohms, with 52 appearances, as they also took their leave.
Defensive Mistakes Against Australia
During the match, goalkeeper Stina Johannes, who was making her second appearance, displayed some impressive saves but was unable to stop the decisive 1-2 goal.
In addition to Johannes, who replaced Ann-Katrin Berger, Wück made four more changes from the squad that recently played in England. The new lineup featured Cerci, Felicitas Rauch, Vivien Endemann, and debutant Lisanne Gräwe, while players like Linda Dallmann, Elisa Senß, Jule Brand, Sara Doorsoun, and Giovanna Hoffmann were left out.
Popp’s Final Free-Kick Hits the Wall
The revised team struggled to maintain the momentum they had previously shown in England, where they led 3-0 early. Endemann’s cross found Cerci for the opening goal in the 1st minute. Soon after, Rauch’s shot ricocheted off the post, and Klara Bühl was thwarted by Australia’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold.
Throughout the match, Germany struggled to penetrate Australia’s tightly packed defense. Popp’s attempts to convert a free-kick were thwarted, as her attempt was blocked by the Australian wall.
Conversely, Australia frequently posed a threat with their quick counter-attacks. While Johannes saved her team from falling behind on multiple occasions, they eventually scored after a misplaced pass from Cerci allowed Cooney-Cross to capitalize on Johannes’s advanced position, delivering a stunning equalizer that left the fans, including former national team coach Horst Hrubesch, in awe.
Strategic Changes Post-Halftime
Wück made tactical adjustments at the half, introducing Lina Magull and Sophia Kleinherne, followed by Dallmann, Brand, and Pia-Sophie Wolter as the match progressed. However, Germany struggled to break through Australia’s robust defense, resorting to uninspired ball passing that failed to create clear scoring opportunities.
As frustration mounted, Wück’s visible discontent grew. He watched as Johannes misplayed a corner from Steph Catley, allowing Hunt to nod in the go-ahead goal for Australia. With a few missed opportunities from Wolter and Dallmann to equalize, Popp’s expression darkened on the bench as her final match with the DFB team concluded in disappointment.