Sam Kerr’s classy cameo has helped lift the Matildas to a 2-0 triumph over New Zealand in their last match before the Asian Cup.
Goals from stalwarts Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso came in Kerr’s first game on home soil in two years in Tuesday night’s friendly in Adelaide.
Kerr delivered an emphatic 45-minute reminder of her talents — and importance to Australia’s Asian Cup chances next March.
The captain, still on the path to full fitness after an ACL injury, missed last Friday’s 5-0 blitz of the Kiwis in Gosford with a calf complaint.
Kerr last started at home for the Matildas in November 2023 against Chinese Taipei.
Three months later, she damaged a knee at Chelsea training, requiring a reconstruction.
Kerr experienced issues with the surgical graft which went undiagnosed for 10 months, leaving her in constant pain.
She missed a season and a half with Chelsea and the ace striker only returned in September.
Kerr missed Chelsea’s last two games before joining the Matildas for their final hit-outs before next March’s Asian Cup.
But the 32-year-old’s return added a dynamic flavour to the Matildas when she was among half a dozen starting changes swung by coach Joe Montemurro.
“It feels good to be back in the sunshine and good to be with the girls in Oz,” Kerr told Network 10 pregame. “It feels really nice.”
The attacking ace was heavily involved as the Australians expertly crafted a 1-0 halftime lead before 15,097 spectators.
Kerr took just five minutes to swivel and shoot. A minute later, defender Claudia Bunge gave the Australian’s calf a workout with a challenge from behind.
The skipper was part of an eye-catching chain that led to Kennedy’s 18th minute goal.
After receiving a long throw, Kerr pivoted and deftly played Raso in, and the resulting scrimmage fell to Kennedy to slam in from eight metres.
The Australians created several more scoring chances — nine shots in the half — with Caitlin Foord burning a couple by shooting just wide.
Montemurro’s charges maintained their grip on the world No. 33 Football Ferns in the second half.
Raso capped her brilliant display with a goal in the 70th minute, powering a reflex right-footer after a scramble from a Steph Catley corner.
