Sam Kerr to start for Australia in Women’s World Cup semifinal against England

By: The Associated Press Posted: 4:00 AM CDT Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023

SYDNEY (AP) — Star striker Sam Kerr was in Australia's starting lineup for Wednesday's semifinal match against England at the Women's World Cup.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

SYDNEY (AP) — Star striker Sam Kerr was in Australia's starting lineup for Wednesday's semifinal match against England at the Women's World Cup.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/08/2023 (1141 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SYDNEY (AP) — Star striker Sam Kerr was in Australia’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s semifinal match against England at the Women’s World Cup.

Kerr has been limited the entire tournament with a left calf injury. Kerr, the captain of Australia’s team, did not play at all in the group stage.

She played a small role in the round of 16 win over Denmark and declared herself fit to start ahead of Australia’s quarterfinal match against France, but was instead on the bench. She went on early in the second half, played all through extra time and made her penalty kick in Australia’s 7-6 shootout win.

Australia's Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring during a penalty shootout during the Women's World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Australia and France in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

The victory put the Matildas in the semifinals for the first time in World Cup history and one game away from playing for the title. Kerr’s time on the field against France equaled nearly an entire match.

Kerr, the 29-year-old superstar of the Australian team, plays for Chelsea and is beloved in her home nation.

In another Australia roster move, defender Alanna Kennedy withdrew with an illness. Kennedy was replaced by Clare Polkinghorne.