Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson spent much more time enjoying thoughts video games round Sam Kerr’s health than the injured celebrity did enjoying soccer.
In the top it didn’t matter as Australia have been afforded the luxurious of leaving Kerr on the bench all through the essential Women’s World Cup conflict with Canada.
Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler and Steph Catley stepped up as goalscoring heroes within the dwelling aspect’s important 4-0 win, which secured development to the knockout levels.
Gustavsson was all the time evasive when quizzed on Kerr’s availability within the build-up to Monday night time’s encounter in Melbourne.
And whereas the 29-year-old striker declared herself accessible to play – having missed the Matildas’ first two video games with a left calf damage – she once more watched the total 90 minutes from the bench.
Whether Kerr really was match sufficient to enter the fray instead if wanted stays a thriller.
As does her position within the spherical of 16, although time will inform.
There have been early indicators Kerr won’t characteristic in opposition to Canada.
She did little at coaching within the days earlier than the match and was a bystander in the course of the warm-up as her fellow substitutes went by their paces.
Kerr kicked solely the odd stray ball that rolled in her course.
Adoring followers of their seats early gave the most important cheer of the build-up when Kerr’s title was learn out with the group line-ups by the bottom announcer.
Kerr gave teammates their last rev-up within the pre-match huddle and rode each problem from the sideline.
She was once more lacking as substitutes accomplished drills at halftime and took the strapping off her left calf with 86 minutes performed, however was on her ft every time Australia put the ball in Canada’s web.
Raso’s first-half brace, Fowler’s tap-in after the break and a late Catley spot kick sealed the outcome which may simply guarantee Kerr options within the knockout levels.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
