Matildas player ratings: Sam Kerr clear standout as Aussies move in round of 16 at Women’s World Cup

A four-goal performance from the skipper was great but the Matildas were found wanting in a number of key areas that must be cleaned up if they are to progress deeper into the World Cup.

• Super Sam’s historic haul powers Matildas
• Brazil great creates World Cup history
• Weak spot? Matildas underbelly exposed

The Matildas are safely through to the knockout rounds of the World Cup in France, but, aside from one vintage performance, it was far from a smooth ride.

Sam Kerr deservedly took the plaudits after the 4-1 win over Jamaica but she was short of quality back-up as Australia found themselves far too open in defence and often uninspiring in attack.

Here are the player ratings:

Lydia Williams — 7

Both brave and bold when she needed to be but would have had more to do than she would have envisaged.

Ellie Carpenter had her hands full against the Jamaican attack.

Ellie Carpenter — 7

Got crunched by Bunny Shaw just before halftime but the tough-as-nails fullback was her usual enthusiastic self.

Alanna Kennedy — 7

Not perfect — one or two hairy moments — but solid and made a couple of timely interventions.

Steph Catley — 6

Marking Khadija Shaw has to be one of the least-appealing assignments of a defender’s career and Catley, while showing customary grit, was beaten on sheer speed by the Jamaican star.

Karly Roestbakken — 7

For a second international appearance and first start — at a World Cup — not much of a blemish. Couple of nervy moments early but kept her cool and settled.

Katrina Gorry — 7

Got a start and couldn’t be questioned for effort, particularly her assist for Kerr’s second goal.

Emily Van Egmond couldn’t stamp her authority on the game.

Emily van Egmond — 6

Nearly scored a screamer but turned the ball over needlessly and distribution less polished than usual.

Chloe Logarzo — 6

Worked hard but was a shadow of the midfield presence who earned all the plaudits against Brazil.

Emily Gielnik — 7

A dollar for every cross Gielnik delivered would make someone relatively rich. Assisted Kerr’s first and looked the most menacing in the first half but waned before being replaced on the hour.

Lisa De Vanna — 6

Turned two defenders on her own and moved well but would have liked to have had more influence on the game in her 150th cap.

The quality of Sam Kerr shone through.

Sam Kerr — 9

Four goals and a player-of-the-match performance from the skipper. The first two goals — both headers — were fitting reward for her aerial ability.

Substitutes:

Caitlin Foord — 6

Hayley Raso — 7

Aivi Luik — N/A