Sam Kerr led from the front at Matildas training on Friday, but whether the star striker will start against France in Saturday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final remains unknown.
The Matildas had their final training session at Perry Park, the home of former National Soccer League champions Brisbane Strikers, before their do-or-die weekend clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Kerr, who finally made her first appearance of the tournament when she came on as a late substitute in Australia’s 2-0 round-of-16 win over Denmark last Monday night, led the pack of Matildas as they did a warm-up lap.
The injured calf that cost her the chance to take part in any of the Matildas’ three Group B games didn’t seem to hinder her as she jumped up and down with the rest of the squad as the warm-up continued with a host of exercises.
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If Kerr does start against France, it’s likely to come at the expense of either Emily van Egmond or young star Mary Fowler.
Coach Tony Gustavsson is set to be grilled on what he might do with Kerr at a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon in Brisbane, but he has been reluctant to give away details before previous games.
Matildas defender Clare Hunt said it was “amazing” for Kerr to experience the roar she received when she came on in the 80th minute against the Danes.
“To have the disappointment of not starting that first game, the way that she was met by the Australian crowd and by her teammates … that was special for her,” Hunt said.
Kerr’s fellow striker Kyah Simon, who is yet to play in the tournament due to a pre-existing knee injury, warmed up with the squad on Friday before continuing her fitness program away from the rest of the group who then started ball work.
