Fifa Women’s World Cup: Australia striker Sam Kerr ready to mount title challenge four years in the making
- Chelsea striker happy to carry country’s weight of expectation into tournament and first game against Ireland on Thursday
- Kerr is playing in her fourth World Cup having made her debut as a 17-year-old in Germany in 2011
Sam Kerr has long been the poster girl for Australia’s co-hosting of the Women’s World Cup and as her country’s first game approaches, the Chelsea striker is relishing mounting a title challenge four years in the making.
The Australians kick off their campaign against Ireland at a sold-out Stadium Australia on Thursday, with expectations among the 80,000 crowd and the wider the nation growing that Tony Gustavsson’s side, ranked 10th in the world, can upset the established order.
That might be fanciful for a nation that has never advanced beyond the quarter-finals in seven previous Women’s World Cup appearances, but hopes are high that home advantage and a squad featuring a healthy mix of youth and experience can ensure a serious title tilt over the coming month.
“The expectation for me has been growing over the four years,” Kerr said. “It’s been something I’ve learned to deal with. I really enjoy it.
“Everyone in Australia has a lot of expectations, but it’s something I take in my stride and I try and enjoy it. Back at Chelsea I’ve done that too, I just enjoy it and that’s when I’m at my best me.”
Kerr’s performances for Chelsea in recent seasons have marked her out as one of the world’s best female players, with the 29-year-old winning four FA Women’s Super League titles and twice finishing as the league’s top scorer in the 3½ seasons since she moving to England in 2020.
