Matildas star Alanna Kennedy nowhere to be seen in sad news
One Matildas star never made it to be with her teammates after the team announced sad news before the start of the game.
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Veteran defender Alanna Kennedy was ruled out of the Matildas’ semi-final against England as a result of illness, the team announced 90 minutes before the start of the game
While Australia celebrated the news Sam Kerr was selected to start for the Matildas for the first time in the tournament — commentators were surprised to learn Kennedy would not take part in the match.
Matildas officials said Kennedy was not in attendance at Stadium Australia on Wednesday as a result of her illness.
She was replaced by Clare Polkinghorne, the most capped Matildas player with 153 appearances in the starting team.
Kennedy has been a crucial piece for the Matildas, and had played all 548 minutes thus far this tournament at centre-back in combination with Clare Hunt.
Her size and strength in the air has seen her used at set pieces and late in games as a target option, and netted her a goal against Nigeria.
Mel McLaughlin described the selection changes as “massive team news” on Channel 7.
Socceroos legend John Aloisi added: “The big one is Polkinghorne coming in. Alanna Kennedy and Clare Hunt, they have formed a good relationship and partnership together.
“Polkinghorne, who has a wealth of experience, hasn’t really played that much. I’m interested to see how they go tonight.”
The Matildas’ World Cup ended in heartbreak and scenes of devastation at Stadium Australia.
After England scored the only goal of the first half, Aussie skipper Kerr ignited the match when she scored a long range stunner midway through the second half.
While Australia looked good as the parochial crowd got behind the Matildas, the Lionesses delivered two brutal blows to run away with the 3-1 win.
It was such a cruel way for Australia to go out after Sam Kerr came up with a moment of magic to level the scores at 1-1.
However, England showed their class to hold their nerve when it mattered the most.
It means England will play Spain for the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, while the Matildas will play Sweden on Saturday night at 6pm at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in the 3rd placed playoff.
“Heartbreak for the Matildas,” David Basheer said on Channel 7.
“But joy for Sarina Wiegman who has been at this stage before with her native Netherlands.
“Time for celebration for a team that had to rebuild leading up to the World Cup.
Originally published as Matildas star Alanna Kennedy nowhere to be seen in sad news
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