The German Women’s national team concluded the 2017/18 season on a successful note, as the Horst Hrubesch coached side defeated Canada in an international friendly match on Sunday. Germany registered a 3-2 win in front of 22,826 fans at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Canada.

The visitors took an early lead when Svenja Huth found the back of the net with a powerful right-footed shot in the very first minute.

Germany dominated the proceedings in the first half, although Canada tested goalkeeper Lisa Schmitz on a few occasions. But Schmitz denied the hosts a goal in her Germany debut.

The Germans went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead. Head coach Horst Hrubesch used the second half to introduce new players including goalkeeper Carina Schlüter.

Both teams had their difficulties in the early stages of the second half, while Canada managed to level the score line in the 59th minute when Christine Sinclair headed home past Schlüter. It was Sinclair’s 173rd goal in her 268 international cap for the Canadians.

Canada increased the pressure and Jessie Fleming put the home side in the lead in the 69th minute. But Germany reacted in the very next minute as Sara Däbritz unleashed a stunning long-range shot which hit the Canadian goal and levelled the score line once again.

The match turned to an end-to-end encounter and substitute Turid Knaak turned the match into Germany’s favour when she slotted home in the 85th minute.