Promising signs for Matildas as Sam Kerr takes part in running drills in training ahead of World Cup quarter-final against France
Sam Kerr led from the front in Matildas’ training on Friday, but whether the star striker will start against France in Saturday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final remains unknown.
The Matildas had their final training session at Perry Park, home of former National Soccer League champion Brisbane Strikers, before their deadly weekend clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Kerr, who finally made her first tournament appearance when she came on as a late substitute in Australia’s 2-0 round of 16 victory over Denmark last Monday night, led the pack Matildas on a warm-up lap.
The injured calf that cost her the chance to compete in one of Matildas’ three matches in Group B didn’t seem to faze her as she bounced around with the rest of the squad as the warm-up continued with a host of assignments.
If Kerr starts against France, it will probably be at the expense of Emily van Egmond or young star Mary Fowler.
Kerr was able to join her Matildas teammates in running drills during practice after previously being assigned to the stationary bike and running laps
It is hoped that Kerr will play more of a role against France after returning from a calf injury against Denmark
Kerr showed what she can do in a few minutes against Denmark, now Aussie fans hope she can shake off the calf injury and put France to the sword
Coach Tony Gustavsson will be questioned about what he might do with Kerr at a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon in Brisbane, but he was hesitant to release details for previous games.
However, if Van Egmond gave way, it would be a hard blow after stepping up when the Matildas needed her.
Van Egmond is a natural playmaker, but has also been used in more deep-lying midfield roles in the past.
As the Tony Gustavsson era progressed, the 30-year-old spent more time on the bench, which he used as a game changer to unlock the defence.
But with Sam Kerr injured, Gustavsson changed course for crucial games against Canada and Denmark, sending Caitlin Foord wide and van Egmond and Mary Fowler being used as false number 9s.
It paid off with the creative couple providing the perfect foil for Foord and Hayley Raso in width.
Van Egmond and Fowler have been outstanding and each have a goal and an assist to their credit ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against France at Suncorp Stadium.
βI really enjoy playing with Em. I think we’re very good at reading each other’s game,β Fowler said.
“So yeah, having us there and then having fast wingers helps, it just worked really well.
But she’s a smart player. So it makes it easy to work with her.’
Van Egmond blooms next to Fowler, 10 years younger than her.
“It is clear that young Mary is having a great tournament,” van Egmond said.
βThe combination we have β I think we work well together. We’re on the same wavelength.’
Emily van Egmond has held up in Kerr’s absence and it would be a hard decision to leave her out for the France clash.
Similarly, 20-year-old Mary Fowler has been destructive this World Cup and dropping her would be a tough decision
For Australia’s second goal against Denmark, Fowler could have fired from long range, but instead dinked the ball over the Danish defense to van Egmond, who took a touch and cut the ball back for Raso to score.
‘Did she mean it? I really thought she was in line for a shot too,’ Van Egmond said with a laugh.
“It just shows the confidence this group has at the moment and the composure we have now in the final third.”
The same front four looks likely to appear against France, although that could change if Kerr is fit to start.
In any case, van Egmond insists she had no point in proving at a World Cup that she was on top of her game.
“I just stayed with who I am and stand behind my abilities every day of the week,” said Van Egmond.
βUltimately, you’re here, you’re part of a team.
βWe have such good team morale and anyone called up at any point will give their all.
“That’s the most important thing for us as a team and it will take us further into the tournament than anyone else.”
Matildas defender Clare Hunt said it was ‘amazing’ for Kerr to experience the roar she got when she came on in the 80th minute against the Danes.
βHaving the disappointment of not starting that first race, the way she was met by the Australian public and her teammatesβ¦ that was special to her,β said Hunt.
Kerr’s fellow striker Kyah Simon, who has yet to play in the tournament due to a pre-existing knee injury, warmed up with the squad on Friday before continuing her fitness program away from the rest of the group, who then began ball work.
MATILDAS’ RECORD AGAINST FRANCE AT A GLANCE
Kerr and Wendie Renard of France contest the ball during their international friendly between the Matildas and France at the Marvel Stadium just before the World Cup
Saturday, August 12, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
World Ranking: Australia No. 10, France No. 5
Head-to-head: 8 played. Australia 4 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses
Results
01-11-2001: 2-1 victory (Australia Cup – Coffs Harbour, Australia)
14/01/2001: 1-1 draw (Australia Cup – Lismore, Australia)
17/01/2001: 1-0 win (Australia Cup – Gold Coast, Australia)
09/04/2002: 1-0 loss (Tournoi International de France – Limoges, France)
06/07/2013: 2-0 win (friendly – Angers, France)
07/03/2014: 3-2 loss (Cyprus Cup – Nicosia, Cyprus)
05/10/2018: 2-0 loss (friendly – Saint-Etienne, France)
14/07/2023: 1-0 win (friendly – Melbourne, Australia)