Robbie Slater: Comparing the achievements of Sam Kerr and Tim Cahill just doesn’t work

Sam Kerr is a legend ... for the Matildas. Tim Cahill holds similar stature ... for the Socceroos. Please, let’s not get caught up in comparisons and instead celebrate them for their individual greatness.

Tim Cahill in action for the Socceroos during international friendly match against Lebanon at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Toby Zerna

Let’s celebrate the fact that the Socceroos and the Matildas are both in action this week, but can we please not start comparing the records of the two teams.

Don’t get me wrong. Sam Kerr is a fantastic player and I’m delighted that she has now scored 54 times for Australia after her five goals in the Matildas’ 18-0 Asian Cup demolition of Indonesia.

However, let’s not proclaim Kerr as Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Yes, she has scored more goals for the Matildas than any other player in history.

But Tim Cahill was a Socceroo, not a Matilda.

His 50 goals for the Socceroos is a record that shouldn’t be overshadowed by Kerr’s achievements.

To do so is being disrespectful to Cahill.

Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from LaLiga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

Sam Kerr takes a penalty against Indonesia at Mumbai Football Arena, where she slotted home five goals. Picture: Getty Images

Since when have we started listing the individual and team records of the Socceroos and the Matildas under the one category? It’s ridiculous.

What’s next? Are we going to count the number of saves long-time Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams has made and stack them up against the amount of saves made by Socceroos custodian Mat Ryan?

There’s no need for it. Instead, let’s separately salute the achievements of both teams.

The Matildas made a fine start to their Asian Cup campaign but you can’t help thinking that coach Tony Gustavsson missed a chance to give younger members of his squad some much-needed international experience.

The game was as good as over after 14 minutes when the Matildas led 3-0.

Kerr’s quintet goals saw her hurdle legendary Socceroo Tim Cahill to take outright first with 54 goals.

Gustavsson had five substitutions up his sleeve. Why did he use three of them to bring on experienced trio Tameka Yallop, Aivi Lui and Kyah Simon?

Congratulations @samkerr1 on this amazing achievement. You are an inspiration globally and I'm one of your biggest supporters and always here for you on and off the park. Keep breaking records and most importantly enjoy the journey. @FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/WNAlxI6bW3

— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) January 21, 2022

Pre-tournament, Gustavsson spoke of the need to find the right balance between winning the Asian Cup and building the Matildas’ depth ahead of next year’s World Cup.

This match against Indonesia was an ideal opportunity for Gustavsson to give game time to more of his younger players.

Let’s hope he starts doing that if other matches, particularly in the group stages, following a similar pattern to the thrashing of Indonesia.

Cahill took to social media to congratulate Kerr on breaking his record after the game.

Speaking of emerging talent, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold should be applauded for naming uncapped A-League trio Marco Tilio, Joel King and Kye Rowles in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Vietnam and Oman.

The three of them deserve their selection on the back of their A-League form.

It’s particularly pleasing for defender Rowles, who has learnt his trade the hard way being part of a Central Coast Mariners team that was previously an A-League easybeat.

The Mariners’ recent improvement has helped Rowles receive some much-deserved recognition.