Matildas pledge to end successful Cup of Nations campaign with a bang against Argentina
Sam Kerr will be starting but Matildas coach Ante Milicic will again shuffle his deck for Australia’s final and decisive Cup of Nations match with Argentina on Wednesday in Melbourne.
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Matildas captain Sam Kerr has vowed not to change her entertaining ways, as she prepares to lead her nation to June’s World Cup.
That includes no backflip ban, although she’s making no promises for Wednesday night’s World Cup send-off game at AAMI Park.
New Matildas boss Ante Milicic revealed that the intimidation factor played a role in her appointment, as he plots a Cup of Nations clean sweep against Argentina, after wins over fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea and New Zealand.
Kerr, 25, was emotional leading the Matildas, after never wearing the armband during the captaincy rotation in the Alen Stajcic era.
While Milicic has a hard-edge, Kerr revealed that he’s encouraged her and the team to express themselves.
“It’s a really surreal experience and one I don’t think I’ll ever get used to (leading the Matildas),’’ Kerr said.
“I knew it was an honour, but to actually walk the team out - unbelievable feeling. Knowing you have those girls behind you, walking into the crowd, it’s a goosebump moment that makes you proud, especially with family there.
“Ante wants me to be myself, I guess he thought I earnt the captain’s armband by being who I am and that’s who I’ll continue to be. I won’t change.
“We haven’t even talked about it (the backflip) that’s the good thing about him, he wants all of us to express ourselves. So definitely no bans on the backflip.
“It can’t come out too much otherwise it’ll become a bit boring.”
Milicic said his research showed that Kerr was a leader, but her South Korea brace proves she’s relishing the responsibility.
“When Mile Jedinak or Tim Cahill led us out, it gave (the Socceroos) that presence. That’s what we’ve got in Sam,’’ Milicic said.
“I saw the body language. Some referees looked like they wanted to take a photo with Timmy.
“When the other team sees Sam first out of the tunnel, it sets the tone.
“Let’s be proud of what we’ve got het here. She’s world class and deserves that recognition. And who better to lead the team out there at the World Cup.
“Being led by someone that’s recognised worldwide at the World Cup is very good for our brand.
“She’s fearless, very strong and that belief flows through the team. She’s at the right age and I’m confident she’ll grow into the role.”
Football Federation Australia’s national teams boss Luke Casserly has witnessed Kerr’s positive impact across the nation with the Matildas’ schedule increasing in recent years.
“We see her athleticism and ability on the pitch but Sam has now become one of the rare few that transcend their sport,’’ Casserly said.
“The positive impact she is having, particularly on young girls, is immeasurable and probably won’t be fully realised for some time yet.”
Kerr was effusive in her praise of Milicic.
“The biggest change is that everything he says happens – the schedule, sessions – to a tee,’’ Kerr said.
“Now you can train and know ‘I have 25 minutes to give everything’ and it ends there.
“I think he’s going to do good things for this team.
“It was a tough time (after the Stajcic sacking) but we said it’s only going to hurt us if we keep talking about the past.”
A win on Wednesday night and Cup of Nations glory would be a perfect start to that next chapter.