Sam Kerr’s six-word plea says it all as Matildas shock the world

The Matildas claimed their biggest ever World Cup win on a perfect night in Melbourne, without even requiring the nation’s biggest star.

Sam Kerr celebrates with her teammates. Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP

The Matildas made history on Monday night, demolishing Canada 4-0 in a shock obliteration to kickstart Australia’s Women’s World Cup campaign in earnest.

After a jittery win over Ireland and an upset loss to Nigeria, the Matildas were in a do-or-die situation.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

With their backs against the wall, the Matildas pulled out a result for the ages, sending the Olympic champion Canadians crashing out of the tournament.

And they did it all without inspirational captain Sam Kerr, who was named as a substitute but was kept in cotton wool on the sideline.

Kerr had declared herself fit and available for the match over the weekend but scarce few other details were given, until it was revealed she was on the bench for the match.

With Kerr on the pine, Mary Fowler returned to the starting side as player of the match Hayley Raso and captain Steph Catley ensured the Matildas didn’t need Kerr to pile four goals on the Olympic champs.

A plan perfectly executed for Sam Kerr and co. Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Turns out it was all part of the plan.

Speaking post-match, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said Kerr had inspired the team to the thumping victory.

“What I can say and part of the reason that we’re so united and performed the way we did is some of the words Sam said to the team,” Gustavsson said in his post match press conference.

“She said ‘make sure you win without me, so that I can get another week to train and recover’.

“The team responded and said you sit on the bench tonight and get healthy and we’ll win for you.”

It appeared as though Kerr was never going to grace the field. During warm-ups she stood in an Aussie parka, despite wearing her boots and dressing for the match.

Sam Kerr was going to be kept on ice, if Australia could. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Pre-match, CODE Sports and Seven’s Adam Peacock tweeted: “Sam Kerr not warming up with group. Not unusual, no point warming up given her role at best is off the bench in the second half.”

But Chelsea assistant coach Tanya Oxtoby told Optus Sport: “If you’re not planning to use them in the first half and worried about loading, it’s not unusual, but it’s a concern.”

It turns out that Kerr would have played if needed but that her plea was heeded by her teammates, who turned in the spectacular performance.

“It’s the medical team and Sam that make the decision,” Gustavsson said.

“I was informed that she was available but for limited minutes and we agreed that if we can not risk her to re-injure herself we’re going to try to protect her and try to win without her.

“That was always the aim, if we were in a situation where we would have needed her, she was willing to take that risk and come on.

“But she was also very clear, let’s not get to that point and we didn’t and I think we’re all happy about that.”

Sam Kerr is the best cheerleader as well – is there anything she can’t do? Photo by Michael Klein

It was the perfect night for the Matildas, not just for their own victory but that the draw between Nigeria and Ireland allowed Australia to top group B, the first time the side has ever topped a World Cup group.

It sets up a clash with the second-placed group D qualifier, which could be England, Denmark, China or Haiti. The group D placings will be decided on Tuesday night with the round of 16 clash to be played at Stadium Australia on Monday August 7 at 8.30pm.

Let’s hope another week of rest and training can help Sam Kerr get on the field for the knockout clash.