Matildas star Emily Gielnik explains why Sam Kerr should NOT be in starting line-up for deadly World Cup quarter-final against France
- Emily Gielnik believes Sam Kerr can have influence beyond the bank
- Young gun Mary Fowler has dazzlingly sidelined with Kerr
- Australia will play against France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on August 12
Matildas veteran Emily Gielnik has set out why she believes Sam Kerr should come off the bench in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.
Gielnik, 31, was overlooked by coach Tony Gustavsson for the tournament on home soil, but did represent Australia at the 2019 World Cup in France and the Tokyo Olympics.
The towering striker felt Kerr, who came off the bench in the round of 16 victory over Denmark after a highly publicized calf injury, should continue to be an impact player against Les Bleues, who beat Morocco 4-0 on Tuesday night, to progress impressively. .
“My personal opinion is that I would actually think it stupid if we started Sam again,” Gielnik said Optus Sports.
“Right now you have to look at it from a fitness standpoint, she’s just coming back from an injury… we’ve given her the minutes she needs, given her the confidence she needs, she (coaching staff) building his hair for these bigger moments.
Matildas veteran Emily Gielnik has set out why she believes Sam Kerr should come off the bench in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France
Kerr finally got some World Cup minutes under her belt in the round of 16 victory over Denmark
Kerr stated after the victory in Denmark that her body feels fine – and praised her teammates’ performance at Sydney’s Stadium Australia (Kerr can be seen in training on Wednesday)
“You can’t throw her back in the deep end too soon, just from an injury and protective point of view.
“The players are doing well, they’ve built up a good relationship… when you have Sam Kerr on the bench, what a weapon to have.”
Gielnik also pointed out the combination Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley have on the left flank – and how young Mary Fowler got up with Kerr on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, French coach Herve Renard was impressed with his team’s performance in Adelaide on Tuesday – and is desperate to send the Matildas out of the World Cup in front of their own fans on Saturday in Brisbane.
“It can be hugely disappointing, and it was for France when they were knocked out as hosts in the quarter-finals (in 2019),” Renard said.
Coach Herve Renard likes to play the villain as his team looks to end Australia’s World Cup dreams
French striker Eugenie Le Sommer will be a constant attacking threat against the Matildas (pictured as she celebrates her second goal in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Morocco)
“And we hope to put Australia through exactly what France went through.”
Eugenie Le Sommer looms as the player the Matildas must keep in check after the veteran striker ended up with a brace at Hindmarsh Stadium.
She has now scored 92 goals for her country in her decorated career – more than any French player, male or female.
The kick-off in Brisbane is on Saturday at 5 p.m.