Sam Kerr reveals 'amazing' years-long bond driving Matildas veterans to World Cup glory
The Matildas are riding the wave of this FIFA Women's World Cup — propelled by the never say die attitude entrenched in the fabric of the team long before coach Tony Gustavsson's tenure.
But before a two-year purple patch preparing for this historic home tournament, the team navigated stretches of turbulence and disappointment.
Nobody knows the team's trajectory better than a select group of Matildas born around 1993 and '94.
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Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso were all born within a year of each other and debuted for the national team as teenagers in the early 2010s.
Several members of the Matildas' starting XI at this World Cup made their international debuts together when they were just teenagers. Getty/Tara Blancato
Having been announced on the international stage at an age where one is incredibly vulnerable and still trying to discover your self-identity, these girls have grown up together.
Fast forward 10-odd years and more than 1400 Australian caps between the group of them, the mainstays of the Matildas have arrived at the prime of their careers at this World Cup.
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In particular, Kerr, van Egmond and Foord have formed a close relationship that goes "back a long time" to the junior Matildas program.
After returning from a calf injury to chalk up her first minutes at this World Cup, Kerr reflected on how her familiars have flourished during Australia's campaign.
"It's been amazing to kind of sit back and watch just how much all of these players that I grew up with have grown into their own. They're all superstars and they're amazing," she told media post-match.
When playing for their country, Kerr and Foord normally play in a more central forward position but in Kerr's absence, Foord has partnered with Arsenal teammate Catley on the left side to great success.
Named player of the match in the Matildas' round of 16 win over Denmark, Foord tormented the Danish defence with her speed and skill to score Australia's opening goal.
Returning from a back injury, van Egmond has also provided a welcome boost for Australia's midfield.
Replacing Mary Fowler in the Matildas' starting line-up against Nigeria, van Egmond scored from a superb cutback (assisted by Foord) in the first half and was neat and composed when in possession.
Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond and Sam Kerr run during a Matildas' training session in September 2022. Mark Kolbe via Getty Images
This performance cemented her place in Australia's starting XI for the team's ensuing matches against Canada and Denmark.
Known for her pinpoint passes, van Egmond did just that in the second half of Australia's win over Denmark to set up Raso for the Matildas' second goal.
Asked about the impact the outcome of this tournament could have on the legacies of the ageing so-called "golden generation", van Egmond returned to the hang-tough mentality this group of players has helped embed.
"We all know exactly what's at stake but at the end of the day, we as players, we don't want to put too much pressure on ourselves. At the end of the day it's just another game of football," she said ahead of Australia's crunch clash against Nigeria in the group stage.
"The uniqueness and the characters of this team, that's exactly how they will be thinking about it. So, when the game starts, you'll see a lot of passion, you'll see a lot of heart, you'll see the want to win within this Matildas team because ... that's our never say die attitude."
Matildas v Denmark in pictures: Australia celebrates after Sam Kerr's return helps book quarter final spot
