Matildas rack up a huge upset win over Germany thanks to a goal you have to see to believe

Kyra Cooney-Cross has marked her 50th cap with a wonder goal and Clare Hunt also netted a maiden international header to gift Australia the most unlikely, party-pooping 2-1 triumph over Germany in Duisburg.

Germany dominated the early stages of the contest, taking the lead in just the fifth minute through Selina Cerci.

However, under interim coach Tom Sermanni, the Matildas overcame a nervous start to record their first win over the Germans since 2005.

A piece of individual brilliance from Arsenal midfielder Cooney-Cross in her 50th appearance for the Matildas gave the visitors an equaliser in the 39th minute.

Having been gifted possession by Cerci, Cooney-Cross was quick to spot German goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line before unleashing a floating effort from almost 40 metres out that sailed over the back-pedalling custodian and into the back of the net.

Tottenham defender Hunt then headed home the winner from a Steph Catley corner in the 77th minute.

It completed an impressive comeback from the Matildas, who were in need of a confidence boost after a disappointing Paris Olympics campaign under former coach Tony Gustavsson.

A crowd in excess of 26,000 was on hand to farewell national hero Alexandra Popp, who clocked up 144 appearances for Germany – but the Matildas crashed the party despite taking a little while to get on top of their game. 

Cooney-Cross’s first goal for the Matildas was a stunning, floating effort that just cleared the keeper from a ridiculous distance (pictured)

The Australians started the match poorly, with Cerci giving Germany an early lead after Cooney-Cross had lost the ball in her own half.

The hosts were quick to pounce, with Vivien Endemann delivering a cross into the path of Cerci, whose header hit the head of Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie headed home from close range.

The Matildas continued to struggle defensively, and needed the woodwork to avoid going two goals down in the eighth minute when a shot from Felicitas Rauch hit the base of the post.

The Australians eventually settled, with forward Caitlin Foord having two good chances to equalise in the 22nd and 25th minutes.

However, on both occasions she was foiled by German keeper Johannes.

Soon after the Matildas were forced into an earlier-than-expected substitution when defender Kaitlyn Torpey was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

She was replaced by striker Michelle Heyman as the Australians changed formation in switching to a back-four after starting the match with five players in defence.

Clare Hunt (right) scored her maiden international goal to put the Matildas up

Pictured: Mary Fowler contests possession during the Aussies’ party-pooping win

Cooney-Cross then provided the inspiration before Hunt sealed the win as the Australians completed an undefeated international window after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Zurich.

Sermanni made two changes to the team that started on the weekend.

Having come off the bench against the Swiss due to fitness concerns, captain and Arsenal defender Catley returned to the starting team at the expense of Courtney Nevin.

Midfielder Clare Wheeler was also recalled, with veteran Tameka Yallop dropping back to the bench.

The Germans had hoped to celebrate retiring forward Alexandra Popp’s final appearance with a win.

Popp was given a standing ovation as she was replaced 15 minutes into the contest.