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It was the moment we had all been waiting for.
Our superstar Matildas captain Sam Kerr reminded the world why she is one of the best in the business.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sam Kerr’s wonder strike.
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Kerr stepped onto the FIFA Women’s World Cup stage on Wednesday night as part of the starting XI for the first time in the semi-final clash against England.
And in the 63rd minute of the match the skipper scored a cracking goal from long range.
Kerr celebrated with her team as Stadium Australia erupted after striking the goal past goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Kerr celebrates after scoring her stunning goal. Credit: Rick Rycroft/AP
“Who else? The moment we’ve been waiting for, the moment she’s been waiting for,” Commentator Grace Gill said.
“That is a world-class strike.”
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Kerr almost found another equaliser in the second half, but her close-range strike ballooned over.
Kerr went head-to-head against fellow Chelsea teammates from the national English squad to lose 3-1 in the nail-biting loss.
And while Kerr challenged the English defence line including her fellow teammates Jessica Carter and English skipper Millie Bright in the not so friendly rivalry – it wasn’t meant to be.
England clawed their way back shortly after Kerr’s wonder strike with two more impressive goals, knocking the Matildas out of the Women’s World Cup.
But while Matildas fans were left heartbroken after the loss, Kerr’s impressive comeback did not go unnoticed.
Kerr was eased back into the team on limited minutes over the past two games after suffering a calf injury on the eve of the tournament, which ruled her out of playing any role in the group stage of the tournament.
Matildas fans were holding their breath during the first half when Kerr alone was on the receiving end of three nasty tackles from the English defence.
However, while the rivalry at first seemed tense, one English player’s post-game act showed incredible compassion.
When the final whistle blew, English skipper Bright ran over to Kerr and gave her a hug, instead of celebrating with her team.
Kerr, who appeared devastated after the loss, was still met with a roar of applause from Australian fans as she left the field of play.
Speaking after the match, the humble superstar was heartbroken, but delivered a powerful message to her teammates.
“I think I did everything I can to be back in this tournament,” she told Channel 7.
“If I trained more than five times this World Cup maybe I would’ve sunk that.
“But I can’t put all the blame on myself, I have to think of all the things the team’s done and I’ve done to be where we are now and inspire the nation.
“We’re all just really proud of each other and just wish we could’ve got over the line.
“But no matter what happens I wouldn’t want to be on any other team. This is my team, my mates, my best mates, I love them all to death.”
Kerr reacts after Alessia Russo scores England’s third goal. Credit: Alessandra Tarantino/AP
Now, England are into the FIFA Women’s World Cup final against Spain on Sunday night.
Australia will face Sweden in the third-place playoff on Saturday night.
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