Australia's women's soccer team got a hard lesson in Germany on Friday.

The Matildas lost 4-2 to Germany, ranked third in the world, in a friendly in Karlsruhe, The Guardian reported. Germany fielded a young side with just 325 caps among its starters. Australia's starters had more than 1,000.

Germany took charge early. Melissa Kossler scored twice in the first half, both her first goals for her country. The first came after a cross from Carlotta Wamser was headed across by Franziska Kett. The second came from a quick German press near midfield.

Sam Kerr pulled one back in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Ellie Carpenter raced down the right wing and chipped a cross to the front post, where Kerr headed it in.

Kerr had a scare earlier. She went down after a stomp from Sjoeke Nüsken, a former Chelsea teammate, and limped off before returning. She was taken off in the 64th minute, and SBS News reported she had a sore ankle.

Late in the game, Camilla Küver headed in a third for Germany. Holly McNamara scored for Australia two minutes into stoppage time. Nüsken then fired in a fourth in the final minute.

Australia were missing several starters, including Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Alanna Kennedy.

The Guardian said the result shows how much work the Matildas have to do before the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Australia have relied on an aging front line of Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso.

What we know: Germany won 4-2, and Kerr left with a sore ankle.
What we don't: whether Kerr's ankle will keep her out of Australia's next match.