Germany international Cora Zicai has expressed her relief at returning to the German national team following Friday evening’s 4-2 friendly victory over Australia in Karlsruhe. The 21-year-old Wolfsburg winger made the most of her opportunity after an injury-disrupted period that had threatened to interrupt her emergence as one of German football’s most promising young attackers.

Zicai was handed a starting role on the right flank by national team coach Christian Wück. The youngster featured throughout Germany’s dominant opening half, offering pace, direct dribbling and an attacking outlet as the hosts established a 2-0 lead through Melissa Kössler’s first international goals.

The Freiburg native narrowly missed an early opportunity to open the scoring herself, firing over from eight metres after Klara Bühl picked her out in the third minute. Zicai nevertheless remained lively on the wing and continued to involve herself in Germany’s attacking combinations.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Zicai expressed satisfaction with her return to the international stage.

“I’m really grateful to have been given the chance to start,” the Wolfsburg attacker explained. “I just told myself to enjoy it and get some minutes under my belt. It was a relief to be back involved. Having Carlotta [Wamser] behind me gave me confidence because I knew I could rely on her if I ever got caught out.”

Zicai’s emergence as a senior international has been several years in the making. Born in Freiburg in November 2004, she progressed through SC Freiburg’s youth system before making her Frauen-Bundesliga debut in March 2021.

Her development accelerated over the following seasons, culminating in an impressive 2024/25 campaign. Zicai scored eight Bundesliga goals and established herself as one of Freiburg’s most effective attacking players, attracting attention from clubs further up the German footballing hierarchy.

Wolfsburg subsequently secured her services ahead of the 2025/26 season, providing the winger with an opportunity to compete for domestic honours and experience Champions League football. The transfer coincided with her growing involvement in Germany’s senior national team.