Sam Kerr returns for Matildas in as late substitution as Australia topple Denmark

Matildas fans are on top of the world after a massive Sam Kerr moment brought Stadium Australia to its feet in jubilation.

Sam Kerr named on the bench. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Sam Kerr has brought Sydney’s Stadium Australia to its feet with a massive moment in the Matildas’ 2-0 victory over Denmark, sending them through to the quarter finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Coming on in the 80th minute to replace Hayley Raso, a 75,000-strong crowd leapt to their feet for their talismanic leader, roaring in approval as interim captain Steph Catley passed over the captain’s armband.

“The stadium just roared so loudly you’d think the #Matildas had just scored another goal, but no, it was the return of Sam Kerr to the field. CHILLS,” ABC’s Sam Lane wrote.

Australian fans have hoped and prayed all World Cup that Kerr will overcome her calf injury and take her place in the Matildas line-up, and they got their wish as the Matildas led Denmark in an assured and confident performance.

The crowd explodes as Sam Kerr comes on for her first minutes of this FIFA Women's World Cup! #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/E5OdYeDLXh

— 7Sport (@7Sport) August 7, 2023

After missing all three group games the expectation coming out of the squad and from Kerr herself was that she would be on the pitch for the knockout clash against Denmark.

Those hopes and dreams looked to be crushed on Monday when the Matildas put out their team sheet showing Kerr’s name buried deep on the bench.

It followed a similar pattern to the final group game against Canada when word out of the team was that she was set to take part before being named on the bench and not being needed in a 4-0 demolition of the Olympic champions.

The Aussie team’s week was been dominated by rumours that have continued to swirl around her.

Former Matilda Catherine Cannuli said ahead of the game she couldn’t see how Kerr can play after vision of her at training emerged.

Kerr celebrating on the bench. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“I’m no physio, but I don’t think there’s any chance of her starting tonight,” Cannuli said.

“I think I know a little bit about football and a little bit about injuries, but going the way she’s gone in this tournament I can’t see her starting, and to be honest if we see her off the bench, I think it will be a little bit of a miracle as well.”

Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer also said he hoped coach Tony Gustavsson ignores the attraction of playing Kerr if she is not 100 per cent fit.

“I don’t expect too many changes,” he said on Optus Sport.

“I’d be surprised if Tony makes any changes … even if Sam Kerr is back.”

Kerr was all smiles as she arrived before the game. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Kerr’s mum Roxanne said her daughter will be fit to play for the Matildas if called up from the bench on Monday night.

Roxanne Kerr told 92.9 Triple M Rush Hour, in Perth, she hoped the Matildas will be well on their way to victory and wouldn’t need Kerr to make a cameo.

“I think the girls are playing so well,” she said.

“Every week that Sam gets it’s better as long as we win. So I think if they’re down, which I hope they wont be, they might bring her on just to see what happens. You got to change it up once you’re down.”

She went on to say: “I’m predicting 3-0 at half time. Of course I want Sam to get on cause I feel so devo for her, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens”.