Kerr's half-time talk sparks Australia's win over Czech Republic
2023-02-17 11:48
Australia manager Tony Gustafsson credited Sam Kerr 's half-time talk for Thursday's 4-0 win over the Czech Republic at Gosford , kicking off Australia's Women's World Cup preparations .
The Australian women's national soccer team was scoreless at half-time in the opener of the four-team Nations Cup friendly, but two goals from Hayley Russo , a Kerr goal and a Claire Polkinghorn strike ensured They won their fifth straight game.
Gustafsson said the Czech team had been selected to replicate the challenge the World Cup co-hosts will face in their opener against Ireland on July 20 , with captain Kerr helping them revive.
" What we said at half-time was, ' What if it's the first game of the World Cup and there's 80,000 people in the stands , get frustrated ? second half.
" Sam talked about that too. ' Don't panic. Don't be nervous. Trust the plan, trust the process, trust your teammates ' . "
Gustafson says Chelsea striker Kerr has done a better job of delivering the right message to his team-mates.
" When needed, she can be the passion and heart of the team, driving people, needs, and being that voice, " he said.
" But she can also be composed, nonchalant and very clear in her instructions. I definitely think she has grown under her leadership. "
Become Australia's most capped player
Polkinghorn's 84th - minute goal was an apt way for the veteran defender to celebrate her 152nd international cap, making her Australia's most capped player.
" Polks is basically the epitome of this team, " said Manchester City winger Russo.
" She's fantastic, she's a fantastic leader, you see the way she plays. It's really special for us to be part of this with her. "
Next up against Australia in Sydney on Sunday is Spain, who beat Jamaica 3-0 on Thursday.
The Spaniards beat a weaker Matilda side 7-0 in Huelva last year and Gustafson warned Australia they must do better against Jorge Vilda's seventh-ranked goal Team.
" Spain will be a completely different thing in terms of the movement of the ball that challenges our defence, " he said.
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