FIFA World Cup 2023: Sam Kerr injury update, why France will be scared of Matildas returning star
The most dangerous striker in women’s football is back - and the Matildas reckon that has put every team left in the World Cup on notice.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Matildas have a blunt warning for their World Cup opponents secretly fearing the return of Australian superstar Sam Kerr - they are right to be scared.
The most dangerous striker in women’s football, Kerr’s return from injury has given the Matildas a huge boost heading into the business end of the World Cup while setting off alarm bells among their rivals.
In a wild tournament already full of upsets, Australia’s higher-ranked rivals will all be dreading the prospect of facing a Matildas team armed with the golden boot of Kerr.
“It‘s huge,” Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry said.
“Obviously we missed her in the first couple of games, but now to have her back in the back end of the game, it‘s pretty exciting and pretty scary for the opposition that we’re coming up against.”
Veteran midfielder Emily van Egmond also sent a stern warning to the remaining teams standing in Australia‘s way that they should be worried by the return of the charismatic Matildas captain, who came on as a substitute in Monday’s 2-0 win over Denmark.
Kerr didn’t score but looked as sharp as ever, and her presence on the field gave the team and the crowd a shot of adrenaline, which is an ominous sign for a side that is getting better and better with each match.
“She didn‘t miss a beat, did she?” van Egmond said.
“Honestly, I‘m so happy and so proud to see her back. As a team mate, I couldn’t be happier for her.
“We need her. She‘s our leader. She’s a weapon. She’s an absolute game changer.
“To add that to the arsenal that we already have, I think it‘s pretty scary moving forward.”
Even without Kerr, the Matildas have proved themselves worthy World Cup contenders, overcoming a surprise loss to Nigeria to top their group and opening up a 2-0 lead over the Danes before Kerr came on.
That’s proof enough that the Matildas have enough talent and depth to go deep into the tournament but Kerr’s perfectly-timed return is like having an extra player on the pitch
“It just shows everyone‘s buying into the game plan as well,” van Egmond said.
“We have a specific way obviously we want to play but I think we’ve also demonstrated that we‘re not just a one trick team, we’ve got different ways (of playing).
“And off the back of all that, we‘ve now got on back in which arguably the best striker in the world. And I think that’s pretty scary. And for us it’s a massive boost and we take all the confidence with that too going into the next game.”
Young gun Mary Fowler, who helped set up Australia‘s two goals against Denmark, the first through Caitlin Foord and the second from Hayley Raso, said Kerr’s positive vibes began helping the team even before she came on.
The 75,000 strong crowd at Stadium Australia went nuts when they spotted Kerr warming up behind the Danish goal line and reached fever pitch when she ran out.
“It was great to see her,” Fowler said.
“Even just hearing the crowd hyping her up when she was warming up, you know, it‘s just amazing to see.
“You just can‘t help but smile. It’s really big for us.
“Sam‘s an amazing player and she’s loved by everyone in the team and by this country. So it’s massive that she’s finally back out there.”
More Coverage
Originally published as FIFA World Cup 2023: Sam Kerr injury update, why France will be scared of Matildas returning star
AFL’s big fixture move in $4.5bn TV deal
After experimenting in recent years, the AFL will make a permanent change to the fixture as part of a massive new TV deal.
Netball dance sparks worst kind of reaction
The netball players at the centre of Australia’s latest viral video storm have spoken out as ugly details emerged.