Matildas outclass NZ with Kerr on song in home cameo
Steve Larkin |
Sam Kerr is rapt with her classy cameo that helped lift the Matildas to a 2-0 triumph over New Zealand in their last match before the Asian Cup.
Goals from stalwarts Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso came in Kerr’s first game on home soil in two years in Tuesday night’s friendly in Adelaide.
Kerr delivered an emphatic 45-minute reminder of her talents – and importance to Australia’s Asian Cup chances next March.
The captain, still on the path to full fitness after an ACL injury, missed last Friday’s 5-0 blitz of the Kiwis in Gosford with a calf complaint.
Kerr last started at home for the Matildas in October 2023 against England.
Three months later, she damaged a knee at Chelsea training, requiring a reconstruction.
Kerr experienced issues with the surgical graft which went undiagnosed for 10 months, leaving her in constant pain.
She missed a season and a half with Chelsea and the ace striker only returned in September.
Kerr missed Chelsea’s last two games before joining the Matildas for their final hit-outs before next March’s Asian Cup.
But the 32-year-old’s return added a dynamic flavour to the Matildas when she was among half a dozen starting changes swung by coach Joe Montemurro.
“I would have liked to have played longer,” Kerr said.
“But obviously regardless of the performance, it was just night to be back playing on home soil and have the crowd behind us.
“In the preparations for the Asian Cup sometimes you lose sight of why we play football and tonight just felt like one of those moments where I could just really go out there and have fun.”
The attacking ace was heavily involved as the Australians expertly crafted a 1-0 halftime lead before 15,097 spectators.
Kerr took just five minutes to swivel and shoot. A minute later, defender Claudia Bunge gave the Australian’s calf a workout with a challenge from behind.
The skipper was part of an eye-catching chain that led to Kennedy’s 18th-minute goal.
After receiving a long throw, Kerr pivoted and deftly played Raso in, and the resulting scrimmage fell to Kennedy to slam in from eight metres.
The Australians created several more scoring chances – nine shots in the half – with Caitlin Foord burning a couple by shooting just wide.
Montemurro’s charges maintained their grip on the world No.33 Football Ferns in the second half.
Raso capped her brilliant display with a goal in the 70th minute, powering a reflex right-footer after a scramble from a Steph Catley corner.
AAP
