FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Sam Kerr fitness, Australia vs France quarter-final

Sam Kerr’s likely availability for Saturday’s quarter-final against France will leave coach Tony Gustavsson with an agonising call — which Matildas World Cup hero misses out?

Caitlin Foord in action against France last month. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

The Matildas’ embrace of “game-changer” roles will be crucial in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with France as coach Tony Gustavsson comes under mounting pressure to start captain Sam Kerr at Suncorp Stadium.

Kerr missed the first three games with a calf injury but came off the bench against Denmark - sparking calls from former greats and football experts for the skipper to take back her role in the starting side.

A Code Sports poll of more than 3500 readers found 69 per cent believe Kerr, arguably the best women’s footballer in the world, should start against France.

But it creates a conundrum for Gustavsson - especially as the side has been working so well scoring six goals in their last two games against world class rivals Canada and Denmark.

How does Gustavsson make the cruellest cut of all and pick which player will be relegated to “game changer” to make way for Kerr on the field?

Some options are unlikely - like Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso - given their top class efforts so far this tournament.

Emily van Egmond has filled in the striker role but could push back into the midfield — meaning a midfielder could be heading to the bench.

But young stars Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross have been as equally as impressive.

Kerr was among the 12 players who took part in a light training session at QSAC on Wednesday, while the 11 others took part in a recovery session.

In promising signs Kerr started the session with her boots on — showing off her multi sports skills with some basketball and AFL techniques with a football.

Sam Kerr’s availability has left the Matildas facing a selection squeeze. Picture: Stephanie Meek - CameraSport via Getty Images.

The fact she was on the field and not in recovery is a promising sign she is edging closer to full fitness and further away from the rehab team.

It means the tough call is looming large for Gustavsson.

But one player who has had that tap on the shoulder, speedy winger Cortnee Vine, says the Matildas are ready to embrace the coach’s big decisions.

Vine 25, was part of the starting line up against Ireland and Nigeria but was relegated to the bench for the Canada and Denmark clashes — to make way for van Egmond.

“It’s up to Tony (Gustavsson) who he chooses, it’a bit of an uncontrollable for me,” Vine said.

“There’s so many good players in our squad, including the other girls that haven’t seen the field yet. We just have such a solid squad.

“He is going to pick the 11 that he thinks is best for this game and I don’t take it personally.

“He has chats with us all, it’s just about taking on a different role. I think from going on the bench you just need to be a bit more positive and really bring encouragement from the bench and make sure they can hear you from the sideline.”

Sam Kerr took part in main training for the Matildas on Wednesday. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Vine was part of the side that beat France 1-0 just a week before the World Cup kicked off.

While French coach Herve Renard has dubbed the pre-Cup friendly as irrelevant to the quarter final match - Vine said the Matildas take great value out of aspects of that game.

“We have images of us versing them which is going to help us prepare for this game tremendously,” Vine said.

“We know we can, but I feel like when we play our way we can beat anyone.”

Tameka Yallop, who picked up a thigh injury in the friendly with France, and has played limited minutes this World Cup - said any game against an opponent was a learning experience.

“I think you always look back at any game that you’ve played against them within the last two years, there is a lot we can take from that game,” Yallop said.

“But you’ve got to look at the games that they’ve played at the group stage as well and the changes they’ve made but also how we have been playing and what’s been positives for us and takeaways for us and our games as well.”

FRANCE PUTS MATILDAS ON NOTICE IN EIGHT-MINUTE BLITZ

Tim Michell

The Matildas will face France on Saturday in Brisbane for a spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The side Australia defeated 1-0 in Melbourne last month in their World Cup ‘send-off’ match qualified for the last eight with victory over Morocco on Tuesday night.

France scored three times in the opening 23 minutes in Adelaide to all but seal the result.

Those goals came during an eight-minute stretch as France carved Morocco’s defence apart.

The French are ranked fifth in the world and finished top of Group F with victories over Brazil and Panama and a draw against Jamaica.

Herve Renard, who led Saudi Arabia at the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year, is France’s manager.

After his side’s 4-0 demolition against Morocco, Renard told broadcaster M6 of facing the Matildas’ in hostile territory: “We are capable of doing it but it won’t be easy, albeit not easy for either team.”

Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Sam Kerr fitness, Australia vs France quarter-final