How Australia survived Sam Kerr injury absence to reach an historic Women's World Cup semi-final

The Chelsea star missed the entire group stages, with the Matildas nearly crashing out before the knockouts, but they've bounced back to make history

When Australia stars Tameka Yallop and Lydia Williams sat down to talk to the media before the Matildas’ Women’s World Cup semi-final against England, the words ‘Til it’s done’ were boldly emblazoned on the front of the table at which they sat. It’s been the team’s motto throughout the entirety of their home tournament, one that has seen them go beyond what any Australia team has done before by reaching the last four. While these adopted mantras can sometimes become a punchline if a team underwhelms or falls at an unexpectedly early hurdle, this one has only grown in its relevance and significance with each match.

On so many occasions this past month, Australia have faced huge challenges. When Sam Kerr suffered an injury on the eve of the opening game, one that kept her on the sidelines for the entire group stage, many on the outside counted them out. But when staring failure in the face, knowing defeat to Olympic champions Canada would bring their tournament to an end before the knockout rounds, they stood up tall and pulled out a remarkable 4-0 win.

In the quarter-finals, after seeing chance after chance go begging during the game, Australia went to a penalty shootout against France — one which would become the longest in Women’s World cup history. On three occasions, they had to score to stay in the tournament. Katrina Gorry, Yallop and Ellie Carpenter all held their nerve. And when Cortnee Vine stepped up as the 10th penalty taker, knowing that her kick could secure passage to the semi-finals, she did, too.

The biggest moment yet will come on Wednesday, though. At a packed