Germany were the first to settle and came close to scoring in the fourth minute with Brand finding space just inside the area before striking the ball straight into the path of Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia threatened in the ninth minute off Steph Catley’s corner, which was easily gathered by Germany keeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who then sent a lofted ball to Brand, who weaved into the box before pulling her shot over the bar.

Germany continued to create chances and their persistence was rewarded in the 24th minute off a corner when Hegering rose highest to nod home Giulia Gwinn’s delivery into the back of the net.

Australia almost responded immediately through Hayley Rasso two minutes later but the  

midfielder could not find the target from inside the six-yard-box.

Germany continued to dominate the game but Australia had chances  with Caitlin Foord missing the mark twice, while Catley forced a save from Berger off a free-kick in the closing stages of the half, which was ultimately Matilda’s first shot on target.

Australia had their work cut out for them in the second half as Germany poured bodies forward with Brand threatening from outside the box in the 49th minute before rifling her shot from inside just over the bar three minutes later.

Arnold had to be at her best in the 56th minute, keeping Australia in the game after Brand had set up Schuller, who saw her shot blocked.

The Matildas played in patches with Mary Fowler mustering a mishit effort straight into the arms of Berger at the hour mark before Germany kicked into high gear with a carbon copy of the first goal.

Gwinn was the orchestrator again from a corner with Schuller scoring off a header in the 64th minute to put Germany 2-0 up before a lapse in concentration saw Australia concede again four minutes later.

Brand, who had been a thorn in the Australian side, found the back of the net when she coolly finished off Sarai Linder’s cutback into the box to seal the win for Germany.