No team at the World Cup is more built around the skill set of one player than Australia is around Sam Kerr.
With no suitable replacement and (so far at least) no ideas for an alternative system, Kerr’s injury has left the Matildas attack stagnant in their first two matches against the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria. The hosts have scored just once from open play and look lost without a center-forward constantly running in behind the defense.
Over the weekend, Kerr announced she is available for selection against Canada, but manager Tony Gustavsson has heavily implied her minutes will be restricted.
No matter how long she is available to play — and whether or not she’s the best version of herself while she’s on the pitch — Australia will need to improve its attack without Kerr. The final of Group B kicks off with simultaneous games at 6 a.m. ET.
GO DEEPER
It was the news Australia wanted – Kerr is fit. But is she, really?
A quick refresher: How good is Sam Kerr?
Kerr is probably the best center-forward in the world, and when her career is over, she will be in the discussion for the best in the history of women’s soccer. She averages a goal every other game for Australia and four in every five games for her club team…
