She might not be on the pitch, but injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr remains the team’s spiritual leader, as shown by one moment in Thursday night’s shock defeat to Nigeria.
Emily van Egmond opened the score in Brisbane in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, and ran straight to Kerr to celebrate with the stricken skipper.
Caitlin Foord began the play, charging down the left hand side of the field to pass to van Egmond who slid it straight past the Nigerian keeper into the goal.
The midfielder was quick to celebrate her 31st international goal, running and cheering along side teammates straight toward one person sitting on the sidelines.
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From her spot on the bench, the injured Kerr had only open arms for her teammate, the pair embracing in celebration.
The Matildas superstar’s future in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is in doubt as she suffers a calf injury.
Unfortunately, Australia’s luck faded after that goal as the Matildas conceeded an equaliser from Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu in the final moments of the first half.
That goal was followed by two more from the away team, with the underdogs looking more likely to clinch the game from the Matildas as the game progressed.
Despite clawing back another goal, the Matildas were left heartbroken as Nigeria won 3-2.
Tillies COLLAPSE with 2nd half errors | 00:42
