The Chelsea forward missed the first two games of the tournament due to injury and now the Matildas could face a historic group stage exit

It wasn’t meant to be like this. When Australia captain Sam Kerr and head coach Tony Gustavsson sat down for the Matildas’ first pre-match press conference of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, all appeared to be well. It was relaxed, there were several laughs and a general aura of composure filled the air inside Stadium Australia, where the co-hosts would get their tournament underway against Ireland the following day.

But heading into the final round of group games, the feeling is now one of stark contrast. A calf injury means that Kerr’s role has changed from that of expected star of the show to one of a behind-the-scenes leader, with her an animated cheerleader on the bench for the first two games.

And after losing to Nigeria on Thursday in a thrilling encounter, despite beating Ireland on the opening night, Australia know that if they suffer the same fate against Olympic gold medalists Canada on Monday then they will be eliminated in the group stages for the first time since 2003 and become only the second host nation of a Women’s World Cup ever to fall at the first hurdle – after 2023 co-hosts New Zealand crashed out on Sunday.

The situation with Kerr has always been quite clear. She was categorically ruled out of the opening two games and was always set to be assessed ahead of the third. But the situation has now become messy. The talismanic skipper has declared herself fit – but how involved will she be in Monday's crucial affair?

Whatever her role, however it all plays out, it's going to be significant – because her team really, really need her right now.

GettyLack of cutting edge

Australia’s opening game with Ireland was similar to how most of the top nations at this tournament started their campaigns. It was nervy, it was edgy and it was tight – but they got the win they needed.

"It's kind of a relief, I guess, to finally do it and experience it," Caitlin Foord, who played Kerr's No.9 role in the game, told GOAL afterwards. "I was actually nervous and to be honest, I don't get nervous for many games anymore."

Asked if she thought the team would be a little freer in their play for the second game, with this big occasion out of the way, she replied: “I think so. I think it is nice to have it, move it out of the way and move forward now.”

And Australia did look like they were playing with more freedom against Nigeria. They were a lot more creative, that’s for sure, and they were in control of the game, especially when Emily van Egmond put them 1-0 up before half time.

Even when Nigeria equalised in stoppage time and took the lead in the second period, it felt like the Matildas were capable of getting back into it. They had a lot of the ball and chances were coming – but the goals didn’t follow.

They had 28 shots at goal, eight on target, 15 corners and an xG of 2.24 compared to Nigeria’s 1.38. But the only statistic that matters read: Australia 2-3 Nigeria.

It’s easy to say with Kerr on the pitch they’d have scored the goals they needed to win, but there was a serious lack of cutting edge in the finishing in Brisbane on Thursday and that was one of the things that came back to bite them.

AdvertisementGettyFoord limited without partner-in-crime

One of the knock-on effects of not having Kerr available is it limits the ability of a player she links up with so well. Foord plays just behind the Chelsea star for the national team and it’s a role that allows her to really showcase her strengths.

The Arsenal forward is great at picking up pockets of space and either driving at the opponent with the ball when she gets it or looking up and creating an opening for a team-mate.

That Kerr gets the bulk of the attention from the centre-backs helps her to do this, too, with her afforded that little bit more time and space thanks to the often unnoticed work her team-mate does.

Without Kerr, Foord has been pushed up into the No.9 role. It’s a position she can play but it’s not one that she’s best suited to. It limits the amount she gets on the ball and it doesn’t allow her to be that creative force, either.

So not only have Australia been missing Kerr, they’ve also been lacking what Foord usually brings to the table in the No.10 role.

GettyQuestionable squad selection

Kerr’s absence also highlighted another problem Australia have – a lack of fully fit forwards.

The Matildas went 2-1 down in the 65th minute on Thursday and 3-1 down in the 72nd minute and yet, it took until there were 82 minutes on the clock for Gustavsson to make a change – and the one he made was… unorthodox.

Off came winger Cortnee Vine and in came Clare Polkinghorne, a centre-back. It meant defender Alanna Kennedy was thrown up top as the team desperately searched for the two goals they needed.

It spoke volumes of the lack of fitness of the attacking options in the squad. Kerr was out, as was Mary Fowler, the young talent that had filled Foord’s role in the first game. Winger Kyah Simon didn’t even have a pair of boots on, having not played a single minute of competitive football since suffering an ACL injury last October. Tameka Yallop, who can play in the No.10 position, is also on limited minutes after picking up a problem in the pre-tournament friendly against France.

While Nigeria made substitutions that changed the game, such as the introduction of Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala who scored the third goal, Gustavsson not only waited too long but was also caught out by the gambles he took in making his squad selection.

GettyNot just a goal-scorer

Without Kerr, Australia have not just missed a world-class forward that scores goals, distracts defenders, presses tirelessly and creates for others, either. They have been deprived of, as team-mate Steph Catley put it, their "spiritual leader”.

She is her team’s captain. She is someone who can galvanise this group in tough moments. It’s not just what she says that makes her a leader but it is her actions on the pitch and the attitude she shows in tough moments.

The players have spoken about being more motivated to do well because of how heart-breaking it has been to see Kerr unable to get involved on the pitch. She has still been having a real impact on them, though, continuing to do her pre-match talks and speaking to her team-mates at half time.

But it’s not the same as having her there on the pitch to be that leader and game-changing talent.