How a picture of Matildas’ dressing room just before the World Cup semi-final hides a sad story for one of the side’s most crucial players
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- Alanna Kennedy was ruled out due to illness on Wednesday
- The Matildas put her equipment down despite her not playing
The Matildas showed they never leave a teammate behind as the Australians remembered one of their star players after her heartbreaking absence from the Women’s World Cup semi-final.
Alanna Kennedy has been a loyal presence at the back of Tony Gustavsson’s side throughout the tournament, leading an imperious defense to help Australia to their first ever semi-final appearance.
However, she was ruled out of the huge clash with England after falling ill, in a heartbreaking turn of events for the Matildas.
She was replaced in the starting line-up by experienced defender Clare Polkinghorne.
But the Matildas were unwilling to forget about their important teammate on Wednesday, as staff in the back room laid out Kennedy’s equipment despite her not even being at Stadium Australia.
The Australians greatly missed Kennedy’s presence, with Clare Hunt and Polkinghorne allowing Lauren Hemp to waltz into their penalty area before finding Ella Toone for the game’s opening goal.
Sam Kerr also returned to the starting line-up but failed to impress, with England’s physicality helping to eliminate Australia’s attacking players.
More to follow.