Germany and France draw in Müller swansong

France came from behind to salvage a 1-1 friendly draw with fellow UEFA Women's EURO 2013 contenders Germany, whose 32-year-old forward Martina Müller bid farewell to international football. 

The home side came flying out of the blocks in Halle and took the lead after just two minutes when Verena Faisst turned in Célia Okoyino da Mbabi's low cross to score her first national team goal. Stung into action, France almost offered an immediate reply, Louisa Nécib and Camille Abily both striking the woodwork in quick succession. Their luck turned, however, when Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer failed to deal with a corner, allowing Corine Franco to tap in. 

Germany wrested back the initiative after the break with Bianca Schmidt shooting narrowly wide, before visiting goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi produced a stunning save to deny Simone Laudehr. The introduction of Müller was the hosts' final throw of the dice and it almost paid dividends when defender Schmidt took receipt of her pass, before firing centimetres wide. 

"It was a game played at a very high level," said Germany coach Silvia Neid. "France demonstrated why they are one of the favourites for next summer's tournament." Her side begin their UEFA Women's EURO 2013 campaign on 11 July against the Netherlands, while France lock horns with Russia a day later.