Germany took the lead in a dominant first half when Mario Gomez efficiently beat Mark Scwarzer to find the top corner while Australia were still struggling to get out their own half.

But in the second 45, Australia re-emerged looking more confident and composed and were rewarded with a goal just after an hour from David Carney after a stylish one two with Matt McKay.

Just 100 seconds later Harry Kewell was brought down in the box and Luke Wilkshire converted the penalty for the winner, with the Socceroos attacking all the way to the final whistle.

The defeat for Germany on their home soil repaid some of the humiliation they dished up to Australia in the World Cup with that crushing 4-0 loss in Durban. 

Afterwards German coach Low admitted: "That is a little unfortunat...

"In the first-half, I thought the young players actually did quite well but in the second-half we threw the game away.

"I didn't think it was a foul for the penalty.

"I can take a few conclusions from this performance, the young players will learn from this experience."