WWC LIVE: Kerr on the bench again, France make key switch as teams revealed
The Matildas have opted for an unchanged lineup once again for their Women’s World Cup quarterfinal clash against France.
It means Sam Kerr will begin the contest on the bench as she’ll no doubt be expected to make a significant impact in the latter stages of the contest if need be.
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Several had called for Kerr to start the game given she made a brief cameo towards the end of the 2-0 win against Denmark.
But Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has decided it is best to stick with the team that has got the job done in their previous two games as they take on France at Brisbane Stadium with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Kerr was ruled out of the first two games with a calf injury and although she was seemingly fit to play against Canada if required, Gustavsson opted not to user her.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Gustavsson confirmed he would have started Kerr if he felt she was fit to play a full game.
“If Sam is fit to play 90 minutes, she’s starting,” Gustavsson said.
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“There’s not even a question, and the team knows it.
“Whether she is ready to play 90 minutes plus extra time, that’s to be decided tonight (Friday).”
As for France, they made one change to the team that thrashed Morocco 4-0.
Right back Eve Perisset has come out of the team and has been replaced by Maelle Lakrar who slots in at centre-back while Elisa De Almeida shifts to the right back role.
Lakrar started Les Bleus’ first game of the tournament against Jamaica at right back but Perisset then took her place for the next three games.
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TEAM NEWS
Australia (4-4-2): Arnold; Catley, Kennedy, Hunt, Carpenter; Foord, Cooney-Cross, Gorry, Raso; Fowler, van Egmond
France (4-4-1-1): Peyraud-Magnin; Karchaoui, Renard, Lakrar, De Almeida; Bacha, Toletti, Geyoro, Dali; Le Sommer; Diani
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