Australia reach World Cup quarter-finals as Sam Kerr finally makes her return

07 August 2023 , 12:26

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Sam Kerr made her return from injury against Denmark

Sam Kerr made her long-awaited return from injury to help World Cup co-hosts Australia triumph over Denmark to reach the quarter-finals.

Despite being the poster girl for this World Cup, Kerr didn't feature in any of the Matildas' group games after picking up a calf injury in training on the eve of the tournament. The Chelsea striker had declared herself fit ahead of Australia's decisive Group B clash with Canada, however she remained an unused substitute as Tony Gustavsson's side romped to a 4-0 victory to book their place in the round-of-16.

Kerr started on the bench again against Denmark on Monday, watching on as Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord fired Australia ahead inside 29 minutes in Sydney. The Matildas doubled their advantage after the break through Hayley Raso, but the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Kerr's introduction.

The 29-year-old, who had a big smile on her face as she was called off the bench, was introduced after 80 minutes to help Australia see out the victory. She instantly had fans on their feet, brilliantly spinning her marker and charging into the box before hammering a shot over the bar.

While she didn't get on the scoresheet against Denmark, the Matildas will be delighted to have their captain back and with some crucial minutes under her belt as the tournament heats up. Kerr, who was given the armband in 2019, is Australia's greatest ever goalscorer, having overtaken Everton legend Tim Cahill last year.

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Her overall tally of 63 goals in 120 international appearances gives the Perth-born forward an average of just over one goal scored per two matches.

Manager Gustavsson hinted at Kerr's return in his pre-match press conference on Sunday. “We had a nice moment as a team yesterday to see her back with boots on and touching the ball and being with the team in training,” he said.

“It was a very good feeling for her, a very good feeling for the players, her team-mates, and a very good feeling for me. Today she was off-feet – it’s all an individual plan for her in training, I trust my [medical] team 100% to prepare her as best as possible.”

Australia will face either France or Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday (August 12).

Beth Lindop