Socceroos legend Robbie Slater says Canada’s win shows Matildas can win the World Cup even if Sam Kerr doesn’t play a single game
- Ex-footballer Robbie Slater impressed by Matilda’s team performance
- Believes they are capable of winning the Women’s World Cup
- Australia beat Canada 4-0, with Sam Kerr not needed off the bench
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater has stated that the Matildas can win the World Cup – even without superstar striker Sam Kerr.
Slater, 58, branded Australia’s 4-0 win over Canada on Monday a ‘statement performance’ and believes other countries will be watching with fear – especially given that Kerr, who is battling a calf injury, was unable to come off the bench used in Melbourne.
The impressive win also saw the Matildas finish top of Group B ahead of Nigeria.
“It was a performance that will scare the other teams…because it was really complete,” Slater said News Corp.
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater has stated that the Matildas don’t need Sam Kerr to win the World Cup after being very impressed with their win over Canada
Kerr, 29, was named on the bench against Canada but was not needed after the Matildas won 4-0 to beat Group B at the Women’s World Cup
“This is a very open World Cup, but that win was as good as we’ve seen so far.
“I think the Matildas, with the way they handled the pressure, are a team that can go on and win the tournament.”
Slater addressed the tactics of coach Tony Gustavsson, who in many people’s eyes was on the verge of being sacked if Australia were knocked out in the group stage.
But Slater, who won a Premier League title with Blackburn in his decorated playing career, praised the Swede for backing up his experience and not succumbing to intense pressure.
“He knows – and now the world knows too – that Australia has a team that can win the World Cup without the star striker,” he wrote.
He also felt Hayley Raso was a deserving player of the match after her two goals, with young striker Mary Fowler, striker Catilin Foord and veteran centre-back Allana Kennedy also drawing Slater’s attention.
Slater addressed the tactics of coach Tony Gustavsson, who was about to be fired if he didn’t lead the Matildas past the group stage
Australia are likely to play Denmark or China in the Round of 16 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on August 7.
If Kerr is let into the starting eleven or prepares for an impact role from the bench, England, France, Japan and the US will be watching closely given her prowess in front of goal.
The 29-year-old has scored 63 times in 120 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2009 at just 15 years old.
Kerr has also won three gold boots in the US while on the books of Sky Blue FC (2015-2017) and the Chicago Red Stars (2018-2019).
She then sealed a move to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League in 2020, being the division’s top scorer twice and collecting 10 domestic trophies.