How Chelsea striker Kerr's legacy can inspire Australia at Women's World Cup

Sam Kerr is already one of the most recognisable players in world football. Her face adorns billboards, adverts and computer games as she prepares to lead Australia at a home World Cup.

Not only does the Chelsea striker go into the tournament with winning on her mind, she's also aware she's on the verge of creating a sporting legacy many only dream of.

She has achieved multiple milestones before turning 30. Domestically, she has won multiple trophies in Australia and England, winning the Golden Boot in both countries as well as the USA. Alongside this, she has also won multiple Player of the Season awards and remains the NWSL's all-time scorer.

Internationally for Australia, Kerr is her country's all-time scorer, was the first Australian to score a hat-trick at a World Cup and is the joint highest-rated player on FIFA.

Add to that leading Australia to a World Cup on home soil and you have got an argument for one of the best players of a generation.

But Kerr knows the power of performance can do more than bring sporting success, but she hopes to be 'remembered forever' for bigger reasons.

"I want the Matildas to have a Cathy Freeman moment," Kerr insisted before inspiring Australia to end England's 30-game unbeaten run in April.

Freeman famously won gold in the 400m at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney with the weight of a nation on her shoulders. The moment would go on to unite a country and do more for participation than politicians could ever promise.

"Anyone around my age these days knows Cathy Freeman, remembers where they were, remembers when she won that race," Kerr said. "I believe the Matildas can have that moment and then go on from there."

Australia will walk out in front of more than 80,000 fans in a sold-out World Cup