World Cup

Kerr: ‘We’ll stick together’

2 min read 10 June 2019

Captain Sam Kerr is convinced the Matildas have much more to offer following a 2-1 defeat in their FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Group C opener against Italy.

The 25-year-old notched her first FIFA Women’s World Cup™ goal to open the scoring in Valenciennes before a double from Barbara Bonansea swung the game in Italy’s favour.

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Juventus forward Bonansea netted a 95th-minute winner to leave Kerr and her teammates empty handed following a game they controlled throughout.

Ante Milicic’s side recorded 64% of possession and led the shot count 16-6 but Kerr admits the Matildas need to turn their dominance into goals.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose but we have still got two games and we are definitely not out,” said Kerr.

“I think we dominated the first half and kept possession really well but we just didn’t take our chances.

“I don’t think we created enough chances but, look, it’s the first game. Get the jitters out, we’ll focus on Brazil.”

“It’s disappointing, but we’ll stick together and focus on Brazil now.”

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Head coach Milicic believes improvements need to be made at both ends of the pitch for the Matildas to reach their potential in France.

“We have got to look at the way we defended again but we’ve got three days now to regroup and look forward to the Brazil game,” Milicic said.

“We’ve got to look at both ends of the field. We created enough chances to score a few more but in the end, defensively, I felt we gave away too many chances and, again, another area we are going to have to address.”

World Cup France 2019™ – Group C – Australia Matches

Australia v Brazil
Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 2.00am AEST (6.00pm local time, Thursday 13 June)

Jamaica v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Tuesday 18 June)

Australians are encouraged to #GetOnside and show their support for the bid at AusBid2023.com.