NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
PERTH, Australia (AP) — The scene was set for a hometown star and Sam Kerr delivered for Australia — again — with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Philippines in the Women’s Asian Cup tournament opener on Sunday.
The Chelsea striker scored with a header from the edge of the box in the 14th minute following a cross from Clare Wheeler on the right and a header back across goal from Caitlin Foord.
Advertisement
It was the 32-year-old Kerr’s 70th goal for Australia and a welcome return from a long-term knee injury that has prevented her from playing for the Matildas since the 2023 World Cup.
The crowd of 44,379 was a record for the tournament and something of a tribute to Kerr, who was raised in Perth.
The Australians went into the tournament hoping to relive the atmosphere generated during the Women’s World Cup on home soil almost three years ago, when the Matildas shattered audience records on the way to the semifinals.
It wasn’t all one-way, though. Australia had 85% of possession, had 15 shots on goal and completed 674 passes to 118 for Philippines, but wasn’t able to break down the defense.
Advertisement
Hayley Raso appeared to give Australia a 2-0 lead when she found the back of the net on the half-hour but it was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel was heavily involved for Philippines, helping limit the margin against the team considered a strong favorite to top a group also containing 2022 runner-up South Korea and Iran.
Kerr played the full game and Australia also had a positive return from Mary Fowler, who went on in the 68th minute in a long-awaited return from injury for the Matildas.
“I think I’m just finding my confidence again,” Kerr said in a post-game TV interview. “I guess that’s for other people to judge, but I feel like I’m still my normal self.
Advertisement
“I’ve just got to get more touches in, around the box.”
Australia hasn’t won the continental title since 2010, losing the finals to Japan in 2014 and ‘18 and eliminated in the semifinals four years ago. This is Kerr’s fifth Asian Cup campaign and she’s determined to win it again.
“Today…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sam-kerrs-header-helps-australia-114400232.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-03-01 11:44:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
