Cortnee Vine front and centre during a Matildas training session in Marbella, Spain in July 2024. Photo: Rachel Bach/Football Australia

2016 Olympic gold medalists Germany made a winning start to their Olympic campaign, dismantling the Matildas 3-0 in a phenomenal counter-attacking performance to send a statement of intent to their rivals.

Having played out a 2-2 draw eight years ago in Rio, the Matildas were aiming to go one better in Marseille against a German outfit who were sensationally knocked out in the group stage phase at last year’s World Cup.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson opted for Cortnee Vine ahead of 36-year-old Michelle Heyman, shifting Caitlin Foord centrally in what was the only selection shock in a settled lineup.

Despite Foord and Steph Catley sitting out of the recent friendly loss to Canada due to injury concerns, both lined up for the national anthem as part of the starting side.

Mackenzie Arnold made her 50th appearance for the Matildas, hoping to celebrate with a win to kick-start their hunt for a maiden podium finish.

It took less than 10 minutes for the Germans to create a golden chance to gain an early advantage, as Jule Brand was released on the counter through a world-class pass by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, beating two defenders only to blaze her shot over the bar from close range.

A frantic scramble in the Matildas’ penalty area caused captain Steph Catley to go down holding her head in a nasty collision with teammate Clare Hunt, returning to the pitch moments later.

The inevitable soon prevailed in the 24th minute thanks to a deep cross at the back post to find centre-back Marina Hegering leap over Alanna Kennedy to head home for Germany’s deserved 1-0 lead.

Australia simply struggled to maintain possession and looked flustered in transition when they lost the ball in attacking areas against the eight-time European champions.

The best chance of the opening half for the green and gold happened to be a free-kick on the edge of the area, although Catley’s strike failed to threaten with any conviction.

One of the few bright sparks for the Matildas was the presence of midfielder Katrina Gorry who provided the essential engine to make crucial interceptions and break up promising German counter-attacks.

One of Gustavsson’s criticisms since taking charge has been his lack of awareness to make substations and key tactical changes earlier. The Swede felt no need to alter anything at half-time despite a lacklustre first 45 minutes, instead it was Germany who changed personnel.

Hearts were in mouths when Hunt got tangled with the ball at her feet in the 55th minute to hand over a glorious opportunity for the Germans, only for a brilliant goal-line clearance from Kennedy to spare further blushes for the Matildas.

Lightning struck twice eight minutes later from another corner resulting in a German goal – this time a towering header from Lea Schürrle finding the back of the net.

Sharn Freier, a late inclusion on the bench for the injured Tameka Yallop, went on a dazzling run shortly after the restart, halted at the crucial second by goalscorer Hegering in what was the most lively piece of attacking intent from the Matildas.

Two soon became three in the 68th minute when a beautiful team move exposed the Tillies on the counter and allowed Brand to tap into an empty net and register a well-deserved goal for her scintillating display.

Goal difference could become an important factor with Zambia and the USA next up for Australia, so a tight offside call overturned Germany’s fourth goal to breathe a sigh of relief, bowing down in a result that should see changes for the next match against Zambia in what is a must-win.

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