SYDNEY, July 20 (Sporting Alert) – Australia’s captain and forward, Sam Kerr, has been ruled out of two matches in the Women’s World Cup, including the highly anticipated opener against Ireland on Thursday. The decision came after Kerr sustained a calf injury during a training session a day prior.
The Australian team has announced that the medical staff will re-evaluate Kerr’s condition following their second group-stage encounter against Nigeria on July 27.
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This setback poses a significant blow to Tony Gustavsson’s Matildas, currently ranked 10th in the world, who were considered strong contenders to emerge victorious in their home tournament.
Despite her disappointment, Kerr displayed resilience and gratitude as she acknowledged the crowd at the stadium with a beaming smile.
Clearly disheartened by her absence from the game, she expressed her hope that her teammates would lead the 10th-ranked Australian squad to a triumphant performance.
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Having amassed an impressive record, the 29-year-old Chelsea striker holds the distinction of being the all-time leading goalscorer for her country, with an impressive tally of 63 goals.
In a captivating match earlier in the day, New Zealand delivered a remarkable upset, stunning Norway with a 1-0 victory to claim their inaugural win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Hannah Wilkinson proved to be the hero of the day for the Football Ferns, scoring the solitary goal. Despite missing a late penalty kick, New Zealand’s historic triumph marked a significant milestone in their World Cup journey.
