Sam Kerr says whereas it’s “big news” that the Matildas beat England, the victory was solely a small step on the street to what actually counts this yr – FIFA Women’s World Cup glory.
Boosted by the return of captain Kerr, the Matildas halted the Lionesses’ unbeaten run at 30 matches in London on Wednesday morning (AEST).
Having misplaced 1-0 to Scotland final Friday night time with out the providers of Kerr, the Matildas bounced again in model regardless of England dominating possession.
Chelsea star Kerr gave Australia a first-half lead together with her 63rd worldwide aim.
The guests then doubled their lead 21 minutes into the second half when left-back Charlotte Grant scored her first aim for the Matildas.
European and intercontinental champions England had a bunch probabilities to attain within the second half however the Matildas held on to document a memorable win forward of the which begins in July.
The main concern to come back out of the competition for the Australians was a decrease harm suffered by Tameka Yallop that compelled the Norway-based attacking midfielder off 5 minutes earlier than half-time.
Yallop, who on the finish of the match was in a moon boot and on crutches, had solely simply returned to the facet after recovering from an ankle harm.
Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine, who got here on as a alternative for Yallop, was additionally compelled off late within the match with what appeared to be a calf harm, whereas Kerr limped off within the dying phases with a jarred knee.
However, post-match, Kerr shrugged off any potential harm concern.
“I jarred my knee a little bit but I’ll be ready for (Aston) Villa on Sunday, that’s for sure,” stated Kerr, who added that harm wasn’t the rationale she missed Australia’s sport in opposition to Scotland.
“I’ve had a big few months. I’ve got a bit of a sore foot but it was about the bigger picture.
“There’s a World Cup coming. Between the national team and Chelsea we’ve tried to figure the best plan for myself, which is best for both teams, and this week … it was best that we managed my load.”
The Matildas capitalised on a mistake from England captain Leah Williamson to take the lead within the thirty second minute.
Williamson made a multitude of her try to move a protracted ball from Matildas defender Clare Hunt again to her goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Kerr – who seemed marginally offside when Hunt performed the ball – pounced, reaching the ball earlier than the oncoming Earps to lob the ball over the keeper and scored her 63rd aim for the Matildas.
Kerr had the prospect to double Australia’s lead within the fiftieth minute after working on to a by means of ball from substitute Vine.
However, Kerr fluffed her shot and didn’t hit the goal.
England had an opportunity to equalise on the hour mark, however substitute Lauren James’ shot was properly saved by Matildas keeper Mackenzie Arnold.
It was to show a vital save, with the Matildas doubling their lead within the 66th minute.
Scorer turned supplier, with Kerr delivering a cross to the far submit, the place Grant was readily available to move the ball residence with the help of a deflection off the unlucky Williamson.
“When people wake up (in Australia) and see that the Matildas beat England, it’s big news,” Kerr stated.
“For us it’s a good win but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves.
“Beating England tonight doesn’t win us anything. We’ve got to take everything with a grain of salt before the World Cup.
“It’s just one step in the journey to the World Cup.”
Source: www.news.com.au
