Co-hosts Australia had World Cup hopes boosted as skipper Sam Kerr led her team to victory in a narrow win over France. With a semi final clash looming against none other than European champions England, we’ll take a look at why Sam Kerr’s presence, alongside Australia being the host nation, could be so pivotal in this crucial encounter…
PAST TO REPEAT ITSELF?
Coming into the tournament having ended the 30 game unbeaten run of the Lionesses under Sarina Wiegman was undoubtedly important to help build momentum for the Matildas. Kerr spoke following their 2-0 win against England in April: “For us it’s a big win, but like I said we aren’t getting too far ahead of ourselves.. we have to go home and play with all those pressures of a home crowd”.
England striker, Beth England says the Lionesses will be ready to face Australia in front of home fans after playing against Colombia’s passionate support in the quarter finals: “I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing. I thought the crowd tonight was incredible. Every time we touched the ball they were booing but I think you just relish it because these are the atmosphere you want from stadiums. 75,000 and the Australian fans are going to bring a nice big bit of noise through. It’s going to be interesting and entertaining for everyone.”
Similarly, Australian duo Tameka Yallop and Lydia Williams resisted every attempt to get them to imbue this week’s Women’s World Cup semi-final with extra meaning, quick to scotch the idea that facing England on Wednesday for a place in the final held special significance.
“I think it’s just another game,” said goalkeeper Williams. “At the end of the day we know how to shift focus to representing and performing. It’s a significant game, obviously we are in the semi-finals, but it’s just another opponent for us.”
As the Lionesses seek their revenge, many will wonder if England have what it takes to overcome hosts Australia, or will the Matildas instead inch one step closer to the ultimate goal as history beckons: World Cup glory.
SHINING STAR SAM
When asked directly prior to the tournament by reporters if Australia would win the World Cup, Kerr replied coyly saying: “Everyone’s here to win. I’ll keep my cards close to my chest, but we’re really confident.”
Making her highly-anticipated debut in the 79th minute against Denmark in the round of 16, it was all smiles for Kerr as she ran onto the pitch in front of a roaring crowd, high fiving every teammate as she passed. It was as if one could say, “What calf injury?”, with Kerr zipping about the pitch and almost having a moment to savour as she came close to adding a third for the Matildas in the 87th minute.
Her impact in the quarter final was immense, she changed the game when she came on in the 55th minute, then stood tall in the penalty shootout wiping away memories of blasting a spot-kick into the stands against Norway in a round-of-16 loss at the Women’s World Cup in France four years ago.
Therefore, the importance of Kerr to this Australian side, often regarded as the “poster golf” of the tournament, cannot be understated. Although she has proven to be quite the cheerleader from the sidelines, what she brings onto the pitch, not only as a goalscorer and her experience but also as a leader, will be vital if the Aussies are to progress into the finals
EUROPEAN AND WORLD CHAMPIONS?
After putting in a hard fought, gritting performance against Columbia fighting back from 1-0 down to win 2-1, it was all smiles for Sarina Wiegman with striking duo Hemp and Russo getting the two crucial goals as the Lionesses gave fans a taste of the battle they are able to produce to ensure they can go as far as possible in this tournament.
This is undoubtedly England’s biggest challenge of the World Cup and Australia have the chance to come away with some serious bragging rights. After holding their nerve during their penalty shootout against France, the Matildas will be adamant they can go all the way.
And why not? To lift your first ever World Cup on home soil is not an opportunity that comes around often and England will know just how much that home support rallies you when you need it most.
The odds are not in England’s favour but surely on this side of the hemisphere we’ve still got to back our Euros and Finalissima-winning Lionesses.
MORE HISTORY TO BE MADE?
After defeating France on penalties in what was the most-watched sporting event in Australia since the 2000 Olympics, the excitement will undoubtedly build even further ahead of facing rivals England and the Matildas will look to harness the energy of the crowd, similar to what the Lionesses did last summer, to produce a show-stopping performance against slight favourites on paper, England.
Matildas head coach, Tony Gustavsson, expects Australia’s run to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals to resonate far beyond the sport’s regular audience as the Matildas’ exploits dominated the nation’s media the morning after their penalty shoot-out win over France: “I genuinely really believe that this team can create history in so many ways, not just winning football games,” Gustavsson said.
As Australia look to cause another upset in this year’s exciting World Cup, England fans will hope their nation can produce at the biggest stage of the tournament yet.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
