Women's Football World Cup 2019: Matildas take on Jamaica in crunch Group C contest
Matildas captain Sam Kerr re-writes the record books as Australia set up a World Cup round of 16 showdown with a European heavyweight after victory over Jamaica.
If Montpellier was the place of miracles, Grenoble was the city where a cold-blooded Sam Kerr job got done – just.
The Matildas couldn’t quite conjure the cricket score required to top their Women’s World Cup group and book a round-of-16 return to the scene of that stunning, record-equalling comeback win over Brazil.
But, as the sun set at the foot of the French Alps, they did do over a stubborn Jamaica 4-1 courtesy of a Kerr quadruple – the first hat-trick from an Australian of either gender at a World Cup finals.
Coupled with Brazil’s concurrent 1-0 win over Italy, it was enough for second place in Group C and a round-of-16 date with Norway in Nice.
A 49th-minute consolation goal through substitute Havana Soulan got the world No.53 Reggae Girlz back into the contest at Stade des Alpes, and they gave the green and gold all they got in an end-to-end affair that did not ease concerns about Australia’s defensive issues.
When Marta put away a penalty in Valenciennes with 15 minutes remaining it became clear the Matildas, at that point up 3-1, would have to net another to avoid finishing third and being handed a difficult assignment against highly fancied hosts France.
Enter Kerr, who capitalised on a cocked-up clearance from second-choice Jamaica goalkeeper Nicole McClure to score in the 83rd minute and ensure Australia would finish second on a congested table.
"At the time I didn't know how important it was but we knew every goal would count. I actually wanted more after being my selfish self. I knew every goal would count and I'm just happy we got second spot," Kerr said.
After only one goal in her previous two games, Kerr was delighted to be a major contributor in the victory.
"I'm obviously pretty excited that I could score and help the team out. That's my job. So I feel relieved. But breaking records is something I'll look back on at the end of my career, but right now the focus moves to Norway straight away."
Her opening goals were peerless headers and she says it's a part of her game she has worked particularly hard on.
"I’m just naturally gifted. I’m not a religious person but if I was I’d say I’m blessed with it. I grew up watching Timmy Cahill. I practise them a lot but I’m also gifted. They’re my favourite goals so I’m pretty stoked with those two."
KERR COOKS UP A FEAST
Jamaica coach Hue Menzies said he’d voted for the Matildas captain for player of the year and she didn’t disappoint.
A marked woman Kerr was, and she should have done better with an early volley straight to Jamaica’s goalkeeper.
But header after endless header was bound to bear fruit, and it wasn’t long before that noggin nabbed one goal and then another courtesy of crosses from Emily Gielnik and Katrina Gorry. The second, just before halftime, was timely, and it was the pace of substitute Hayley Raso that put her third – a straightforward turn and shoot – on a platter. The fourth was an absolute gift. Suck on that.
DE VANNA MAKES IT 150
The 34-year-old is now one cap off Cheryl Salisbury’s all-time record of 151 appearances, a mark she can surpass with two more games in France. Came in for a bit of shirt-tugging from Sashana Campbell but turned two defenders all on her lonesome and put in an energetic performance belying her 34 years.
Subbed off just after the hour for Raso, De Vanna remains three goals shy of Tim Cahill’s all-time-high 150 goals and could yet become the country’s most prolific scorer of either gender.
ALL ABOARD THE BIG YELLOW BUS
Jamaica sat deep, at some points with all XI camped behind the ball in their own third. There they sat with the engine running, attempting to park in Kerr.
But while the defence was clearly packed they countered with speed and physicality at every opportunity, reminding the Matildas why a deficit of 47 world ranking places doesn’t always tell the whole story at a World Cup.
Even at 1-0 up the Matildas weren’t in complete control, and a first-half header from star forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw came close to an equaliser more than once.
STILL DICEY IN DEFENCE
Even against a side that’s never before played at a World Cup and copped a combined eight goals to Brazil and Italy. Against bigger and better teams this culpability could come back to bite them big time. Soulan’s goal was one thing, but countless, needless turnovers left Australia vulnerable and Lydia Williams was called into action far more than she would have liked.
ROESTBAKKEN DENIES A WOULD-BE ROASTING
It was clear from the off the Reggae Girlz set out to target Australia’s starting debutant and 19-year-old Karly Roestbakken came under a heap of pressure at left-back, particularly from Mireya Grey and Sashana Campbell. It would have been so easy to come undone, but the Canberra United kid kept her head and her composure.
REGGAE GIRLZ BOW OUT WITH PRIDE
It was their first showing on such a big stage, with a program running on the fumes of an oily rag and an unpaid coach. Jamaica’s first Women’s World Cup goal will go down in history was clear in the wild celebrations of Bob Marley’s daughter and team benefactor, Cedella, who watched from the stands the team she helped bring back from the brink.
Originally published as Women's Football World Cup 2019: Matildas take on Jamaica in crunch Group C contest
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