FIFA World Cup 2023: Amy Chapman on why Sam Kerr can’t start against Canada

It might be the call which determines Tony Gustavsson’s future as Matildas coach. Does he start Sam Kerr or not against Canada? Former Matilda AMY CHAPMAN says he only has one option.

Sam Kerr can’t start – she is just too much of a weapon to burn in a first half arm wrestle with top class opponents Canada in a do-or-die clash.

The actual plans for the Matildas’ captain’s return haven’t been revealed, with Kerr just happy to be able to pull her boots on and do whatever the team needs her to do.

This Cup, this team, this game means everything to Kerr.

She was left in tears when the medical team told her she would miss the first two games.

And while naming her in the starting line up will be tempting there is just too much at stake.

The first 45 minutes is always an arm wrestle with both teams grappling to get control over the game.

A lot of hard running is required from the forwards, particularly defensive running and Kerr isn’t one to take it easy.

Kerr is more than just a striker to the Matildas – she is the captain – their leader and has the ability to influence the morale of the other players on the pitch.

It’s a big game. The biggest in their careers.

If those on the pitch can look over and see Kerr on the bench, it will have a calming effect – reminding them they still have the asset of one of the best strikers in the world, if required.

There is no doubt the game will open up in the second half as both teams need a win and will be willing to put everything on the line to chase a goal.

That is when Kerr is needed.

Coach Tony Gustavsson (L) has a huge call to make on how to use Sam Kerr. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP.

Her speed, aerial ability, uncanny knack to draw in defenders and find space in the goal area is second to none.

What coach wouldn’t want to have a player with those skills sitting on the bench. Tony Gustavsson must have a plan on how to win the game with or without Kerr. She is not ‘the’ solution but part of the solution and he needs to have a clear game plan on how to deploy the iconic striker.

Of course the risk is – you bring her on and she re-injures her calf or can’t perform – then has to be substituted off again.

But with a World Cup on the line – there is no question about whether or not that risk is worth taking – her presence on the field is just immeasurable.

Gustavsson speaks with Sam Kerr after a match during the 2023 Cup of Nations. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

Having Kerr back in the team won’t be the only boost for the Matildas.

The girls seem to play their best when taking on top teams and there is no denying Canada are a good side.

They are the Olympic champions and ranked No. 7 in the world.

Australia need to win to progress to the Round of 16 – anything less than a draw means Ireland need to beat Nigeria by more than two goals. A loss would end the Matildas chances at their home World Cup.

This match will be the first time Australia won’t go into the game expecting to have all the possession. It means they will have more transitions from winning the ball back and be able to use their best asset - speed - to their full potential - just as they did against France in the pre-Cup friendly.

Kerr is set to return for the crunch game against Canada. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

If the Matildas take their learnings from the Nigeria game and can be more patient when they do have the ball and re-create chances like those that gave Emily van Egmond the goal against Nigeria they will be sure to trouble Canada.

Resorting to long balls from deep, with no real target or panicking on the ball will be problematic for them this match.

Canada haven’t been at their best this tournament but neither have the Matildas. This will be a tactical battle between two giants of women’s football, that no one should miss.

The players to watch will be Jordan Huitema, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Kadeisha Buchanan, Adriana Leon.

Originally published as FIFA World Cup 2023: Amy Chapman on why Sam Kerr can’t start against Canada