Sam Kerr to the rescue? Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia need superstar striker back and firing to avoid embarrassing early exit
The Chelsea forward missed the first two games of the tournament due to injury and now the Matildas could face a historic group stage exit
It wasn’t meant to be like this. When Australia captain Sam Kerr and head coach Tony Gustavsson sat down for the Matildas’ first pre-match press conference of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, all appeared to be well. It was relaxed, there were several laughs and a general aura of composure filled the air inside Stadium Australia, where the co-hosts would get their tournament underway against Ireland the following day.
But heading into the final round of group games, the feeling is now one of stark contrast. A calf injury means that Kerr’s role has changed from that of expected star of the show to one of a behind-the-scenes leader, with her an animated cheerleader on the bench for the first two games.
And after losing to Nigeria on Thursday in a thrilling encounter, despite beating Ireland on the opening night, Australia know that if they suffer the same fate against Olympic gold medalists Canada on Monday then they will be eliminated in the group stages and become the first host nation of a Women’s World Cup ever to fall at the first hurdle.
The situation with Kerr has always been quite clear. She was categorically ruled out of the opening two games and was always set to be assessed ahead of the third. But the situation has now become messy. The talismanic skipper has declared herself fit — but how involved will she be in Monday's crucial affair?
Whatever her role, however it all plays out, it's going to be significant — because her team really, really need her right now.
Read on goal.com
