The curtains have closed on Australia’s dream Women’s World Cup campaign, with the Matildas running into a ruthless England side in Wednesday’s semifinal. Playing in front of a raucous Sydney crowd of more than 75,000 fans, Australia succumbed to a superior Lionesses squad, 3–1, in a more competitive matchup than the score line would suggest. But before “Sweet Caroline” played through the venue’s speakers and Sarina Wiegman’s side rained on Australia’s parade, the Matildas offered their country a parting gift for acting as World Cup cohosts: a Sam Kerr banger.
Down 1–0 in the 63rd minute and the Matildas in desperate need of a sign of life, Kerr, who was making her only 2023 World Cup start, turned on the gas. Dribbling straight at two English defenders, the star striker pulled off a finish perhaps only she could, letting off a rocket from well outside of the box to equalize. The worldie sent the crowd into a frenzy, with thunderous cheers booming from Stadium Australia. Kerr’s goal, despite it ultimately not being consequential to the final result, is an instant classic, immediately becoming one of Australia’s top sporting moments as soon as the ball left the captain’s boot.
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT 🤩
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2023
GOLAZOOO SAM KERR 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/Gnts261nW2
