The Australians took it to the World's No. 2 and were two goals up before late strikes in the first and second half saw the 2007 World Cup winners draw level.

Sam Kerr (6') and Caitlin Foord (45') put the Matildas in a commanding position and on course for just their second win over Germany.

But the result now leaves Australia sitting third on one point in Group F with Germany (4) and Canada (6) above them.

A win against Zimbabwe in their last group game is crucial if the Australian's are to go through to the knock-out stage of the tournament.

The Germans were highly-fancied going into the match, but it was the Matildas who took an early lead Caitlin Foord broke through the German defence and teed up Kerr who slid the ball into the net.

Lydia Williams - who was immense between the sticks - was forced to make a cluster of long range saves throughout the first half. Dzsenifer Marozsan nearly replied instantly, but was denied by the Matildas goalkeeper.

The Matildas could have had two at the 34th minute after a terrible goal kick by Almuth Schult landed to Lisa De Vanna who managed to fight her way through, however her ball to Foord was too heavy and was dealt with by Germany.

Three minutes later on the other end, Alanna Kennedy almost paid the price after she was dispossessed by Anja Mittag who weaved her way through the Matildas’ defence and much to the defenders’ relief Williams’ managed to keep the shot out.

On the brink of half-time Australia had their two goal lead, a brilliant trio combination which was started by Kyah Simon’s long ball to De Vanna, it resulted in a low cross to Foord who finished it coolly.

The Germans were quick to pull one back seconds later, a sizzling chip by Sara Daebritz left Williams frozen in goal to make the half-time score 2-1.

Just over the hour mark, Foord almost found herself one-on-one with Schult with Kerr on the right in an offside position, however the chance was snuffed out by the German defenders who were tracking back.

Substitute Michelle Heyman had only just come on for De Vanna and almost got herself on the scoresheet, however her shot was saved by Schult with 20 minutes remaining.

A collector’s item almost came for defender Tabea Kemme with her long range effort palmed away by Williams once again.

With just three minutes remaining Australia’s hard work was undone after Melanie Behringer’s free kick to captain Saskia Bartusiak snatched the equaliser for the Germans.

The Matilda’s now travel to Salvador next week to take on Zimbabwe in a must win game if they are any chance to get something out of the tournament.