The unseen moment of sportsmanship from Sam Kerr after the heartbreak of World Cup defeat against England: ‘She is one of my best mates in the whole world’
Sam Kerr’s unprecedented moment of sportsmanship after heartbreak of World Cup defeat to England: ‘She’s one of my best buddies in the whole world’
- England will contest the final of the Women’s World Cup for the first time
- Australia was defeated, but will play for third place on Saturday
- WATCH: ‘It all starts – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
As the final whistle blew and the reality set in that Matildas World Cup title ambitions were over, the players embraced each other and the opposition.
But Australian star Sam Kerr saved her biggest hug and a special surprise for a member of the Lionesses she considers her best friend.
Millie Bright is a Chelsea staunch and was at the club when Kerr arrived in 2019.
The two have become inseparable ever since, so Bright was quick to comfort her partner after the historic result, which will see England play a World Cup final for the first time.
Millie is one of my best friends in the whole world,” Kerr said.
So, in a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Kerr handed Bright her prized competition-worn jersey.
Kerr and Bright are teammates and best friends at Chelsea in the UK, but play for other countries on the international stage
Bright consoles Kerr after the game, then emerges for an interview in Kerr’s jersey after the World Cup semi-final between England and Australia
It was a moment away from the cameras and spotlight between two close friends.
Ahead of the semi-final against England, Bright kept a stern front when asked about her friendship with Kerr.
“I love Sam, but as soon as you cross that white line, she’s the opponent,” Bright said when asked how she handles playing against her teammate.
“It doesn’t matter to me what’s going on out here, she’s an opponent and there’s work to be done.”
However, it was a completely different story after the game.
“I’ve been after this shirt for a long time,” Bright said Channel 7.
“She is an incredible player and world class.
‘She gets a moment and it’s in the back of the net.
“In football we always have a lot of respect for our opponents and some of our opponents are more than that, they are also friends.”
Kerr and Bright shared a quick hug before the game and also in the tunnel, showing the bonds of their friendship
Bright and Kerr battle for the ball in their World Cup semi-final as England triumphed 3-1 to progress to the final against Spain
Bright and Kerr share lots of photos together on social media, having a great time on and off the pitch at Chelsea
“It (losing) sucks for one of us and I would have much rather played her in the final,” she said.
“She’s my best buddy at Chelsea.
“As bad as it is, I wish her all the best and I hope she can win the final.”
Bright added that she was proud of Kerr’s efforts to overcome the calf injury she suffered during the tournament.
“Huge respect, not only for the (Matildas) team, but for Sam, my teammate back home,” said Bright.
“It’s hard, as much as she is the enemy tonight, she really is a good friend.
“I’m really proud of her journey and her injury and being able to be there tonight.”