It’s raining goals again for Sam Kerr, but the Matildas captain reckons her best is still to come as Australia edge closer to a second Women’s Asian Cup crown.
The Matildas secured a spot in the Asian Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over North Korea in front of 16,466 fans in Perth on Friday night.
Alanna Kennedy’s sublime ninth-minute strike got Australia going, before Kerr made it 2-0 in the second half by intercepting a pass and rocketing in a shot from the edge of the box.
Australia will face either defending champions China or world No.40 Taiwan in a semi-final at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Tuesday night.
Kerr has now scored three goals for the tournament, and the way she set up Kennedy’s first by stripping an opponent of the ball showcased just how important her pressure acts are to the team.
Before the tournament started, Kerr said she only felt at about 85 per cent capacity, given she was still on the build following a 20-month stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.
After the win over North Korea, Kerr joked she is now up to 86 per cent.
Kerr has started all four games of the tournament, and the extra minutes into her legs has helped her confidence.
Not to mention the goals, with her striking instincts well and truly on show during her moment of magic against North Korea.
“Obviously a goal like tonight gives me a lot of confidence,” Kerr said.
“But I’m probably still around the same level to be honest.
“I’ve played a lot of minutes in the last week that I hadn’t played over the last few months, but I’m working towards getting there.
“It’s more about confidence and feeling now.”
Kerr, who at her best is one of the greatest strikers in women’s football, can’t help but feel there are still moments where she is lacking that killer edge.
“I’m playing where I am, but I know there’s still moments in the game where I think I can turn and I can do more, but I’ve been obviously out for a while,” Kerr said.
“I’ve got to find my feet again. I’ve got to find my confidence, and it’s more a mental game now than anything.
“But goals like tonight and wins like tonight really help my confidence.”
The win also guaranteed Australia qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil – representing a massive sense of relief for Matildas players.
“Obviously for us as a footballing team, it’s the pinnacle,” Kerr said.
“So to put our team there is an amazing feeling. That’s the biggest stage in world football, and it’s a dream to go to a World Cup.
“And every one I’ve been to has been the most incredible experience of my life.”
North Korea fired off 21 shots to four and had 62 per cent possession, but Australia’s ruthlessness in attack and strength in defence ensured the Matildas came away with the win.
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