Ann-Katrin Berger played the second half of Germany’s 1-0 win away to the Netherlands. The keeper was brought on for Merle Frohms and eight minutes later saw Sydney Lohmann of Bayern Munich score the only goal in Sittard.

Berger was required to make several saves to protect that advantage as the hosts, who brought Aniek Nouwen on for the final quarter-hour, fought hard to try and equalise, ultimately in vain.

Germany play Brazil on Tuesday in their final schedule friendly before the World Cup.

Fantastic France

France found themselves 2-0 to Colombia, last year’s Copa America runners-up, but roared back to win 5-2 in Clermont-Ferrand, Eve Perisset playing the 90 minutes at right-back.

In their first game under new coach Herve Renard, the French conceded either side of the interval, but a brace apiece for Lyon pair Delphine Cascarino and Eugenie Le Sommer in just 22 minutes turned the contest on its head. PSG captain Grace Geyoro sealed the win in stoppage time.

France play Jessie Fleming’s Canada on Tuesday.

Derby defeat

Sweden were beaten 1-0 by neighbours Denmark in Malmo, with all three of our Swedes playing the full game. Zecira Musovic started in goal, Magda Eriksson was in front of her and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd lined up on the right-hand side of the three attackers behind Stina Blackstenius.

Sweden dominated possession but that only materialised into two shots on target, with the Danes a threat on the break and eventually stealing the Scandinavian bragging rights through Stine Larsen of BK Hacken. She scored the only goal three minutes into stoppage time.

Erin Cuthbert was not involved while Sam Kerr was an unused substitute as Australia lost 1-0 to Scotland at AFC Wimbledon’s ground on Friday afternoon. The Matildas play England on Tuesday, Scotland host Costa Rica.