Sam Kerr gives Australia’s happiest toddler a high five and makes a fan day for the second time in 24 hours as she and overjoyed Matildas step out for the first time after beating Canada
- Team enjoying a walk in Melbourne
- Fans stopped to congratulate them
- Matildas enjoys an all-time high
Winners are grinning people and you couldn’t wipe the smiles off the faces of the victorious Matildas as they took to the streets of Melbourne on Tuesday.
Fresh from destroying Canada 4-0 in the final group game in the FIFA Women’s World Cup last night, Matildas players, including injured skipper Sam Kerr, were beaming on their morning walk.
Kerr was named as a replacement for last night’s explosive victory that propelled the Matildas to the round of 16, but was not needed after battling a calf injury throughout the tournament.
A good sign for Aussie fans, she was untroubled by the injury as she walked with teammates and met fans.
She met long-time Perth Glory and Matildas supporters and friends Colin and Sarah, who have supported the champion since her W-League days and also got to pose for a photo with her when they attended Canada’s game on Monday night.
A lucky family got to chat with the Chelsea champions, Kerr smiled and shared a heartwarming high-five with their young daughter.
Injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr shares a high-five with a young fan as the Aussie team culminates their massive victory over Canada the night before in Melbourne
Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, Courtney Nevin and Mary Fowler walk arm in arm through the streets of Melbourne
Teagan Micah, Ellie Carpenter and Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley share a laugh and a joke on their team walk
Although Kerr was not called up last night, fellow striker Mary Forward was a welcome addition after missing the Matildas’ shock loss to Nigeria to a concussion.
Walking arm in arm with teammates Jada Mathyssen-Whyman and Courtney Nevin, she also smiled broadly after netting in a crucial goal last night.
The Matildas are fast becoming fan favourites, with a capacity crowd of nearly 20,000 cramming into AAMI Park – renamed Melbourne Stadium for the tournament – last night.
They were instantly recognized by excited fans this morning as Ellie Carpenter and Deputy Captain Steph Catley gobbled up the love.
It was a welcome break for the Matildas side, who have five days before their Monday night knockout clash in Sydney.
England play China tonight, while Haiti play Denmark, with the result to determine who will be their opponent.
England, China and Denmark are very much alive in the tournament and all will face major challenges for the Matildas.
It is hoped Kerr will be fit to play a part in that clash after she was named but not used against Canada.
Kerr was happy to snap photos with adoring fans Colin and Sarah, who have followed her since her days in the W-League
The mood in the Matildas camp was at an all-time high after the Canada game, but a huge challenge is just around the corner in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup (pictured, Allana Kennedy with Mackenzie Arnold, right)
Coach Tony Gustavsson revealed after the match that medics had said Kerr should only play limited minutes if absolutely necessary, but with extra time to recover she could potentially play for a longer period or even start in the round of 16.
“Just because Sam wasn’t in the park doesn’t mean she wasn’t on the team tonight,” Gustavsson said.
“The way she leads the team and whatever she gives to the team off the field, not just in the locker room and on the buses, but in the hotel and at the meetings… that’s tremendous leadership.”