Sam Kerr goal powers Matildas to tournament-opening Asian Cup win
Updated . First published at
Sam Kerr wasted no time making a statement in her first game back on home soil as she led the Matildas to victory over a resilient Philippines outfit in Perth.
A loud roar echoed around the stadium as the Australian captain led the team out to a home crowd to open the Women's Asian Cup, which began in her home city.
Kerr only needed 15 minutes to punch her name onto the scoreboard and put Australia in front against the Matildas' lower-ranked rivals, doing so with ease courtesy of the support of teammate Caitlin Foord.
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A long ball was sent towards the back post by Clare Wheeler, who had eyes for an unmarked Foord, but defenders were in range of closing in on the Arsenal star.
Foord, aware of her surroundings, sent the ball back across the goal towards her superstar captain who was left unmarked.
Sam Kerr celebrates. Getty
Kerr wasted no time finishing off the job, heading the ball into the back of the net to stamp her name into the history books as the first goal scorer of the 2026 Asian Cup.
“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.
“I’ve just got to get more touches in, around the box.
“Today was a good start and there’s lots of belief within the team. But, as you see today, there’s a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup.”
Hayley Raso was hungry to be the next Australian to put a goal on the board, but was denied following a VAR review in the 31st minute.
Experts on Paramount+ were not discontent with the no-goal ruling, with one replay of the goal enough to show that Raso was in a clear offside position leading up to the shot.
Hayley Raso is pinged for being in an offside position. Paramount +
The no-goal ruling did not rattle the confidence of the Matildas, rather only prompted the side to lift the intensity on the field. The Philippines followed suit with no concern.
A free kick taken by Steph Catley soon after looked set to be the second goal of the match, but goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel was ready for the shot and deflected it away.
Socceroos great Craig Foster admitted he was impressed with the movement of the Tillies in the first half, with Joe Montemurro's possession-based playing style on clear display.
"Good movement ... Could probably score more with loads of crosses, but the system is better," Foster wrote on X.
"Build game by game, until Korea. A very different challenge."
But even with the introduction of Mary Fowler back in the green and gold jersey - who made a big impact in attack for Australia - no goals could be added to the scoreboard.
The Matildas will leave the match, which they won 1-0, with three points to their name - an achievement which is integral for them to stay afloat in the group stage.
Australia will now shift their focus to a match against Iran on Thursday on the Gold Coast.
