Matildas fans were left thrilled to see Samantha Kerr return to action after 725 days out of action for Australia due to an ACL injury, but coach Joe Montemurro hit back at their hosts having claimed the side players were not allowed to conduct interviews after the game. Kerr was named in the starting side for the Matildas in a triumphant return to the green and gold with Australia defeating Wales 2-1 in the friendly.
Kerr returned after her long recovery, but wasn’t wearing the captain’s armband under new coach Montemurro with Hayley Raso afforded the honour. Kerr put in a solid shift and nearly scored on her international comeback.
Matildas fans were left thrilled to see Samantha Kerr (pictured left) return to action after 725 days out for Australia, while coach Joe Montemurro (pictured right) claimed the players were not allowed to undertake interviews after instructions from the hosts. (Images: Getty Images)
Kerr thought she got the last touch of an in-swinging delivery from Courtney Nevin as the Matildas opened the scoring. Although replays showed Kerr narrowly missed the ball as the free-kick whistled past the goalkeeper. Nevin was awarded the goal from the free-kick.
While Wales hit back, the Matildas scored through Caitlin Foord to seal the victory. Kerr was taken off after 64 minutes and was thrilled to have pulled on the Matildas jersey again after a near two-year wait.
Kerr appeared thrilled to have taken to the field as the Matildas work towards the Asian Cup, which Australia will host next year. While Kerr had returned from the bench for her club side Chelsea, this was her first appearance back for the Matildas.
Fans were thrilled to see Kerr back having waited a long time to see there leader return after a long rehab process. Kerr admitted she was keen to wear the captain’s armband again, but is taking it one step at a time.
Joe Montemurro blames bizarre ban for media snub
While Monteumurro was happy with the win, he blamed Wales security for the players not being available for interview after the game. The press conference was held with just Montemurro and Football Australia media manager Brooke Boger after the game.
And the Australian coach claimed it wasn’t an instruction from Matildas officials, but rather from Wales security. “I think was a matter of security,’’ Montemurro said on why there were no Matildas available to talk to the media.
“We work under a lot of regulations by Welsh football and also UEFA in terms of security. I am really sorry.” Although The Australian publication pushed for an answer and reported Boger said: “It came from the Welsh FA to be honest. They just wanted Joe post-match here.” But the publication claimed a Wales official denied this and said the Matildas had the opportunity to present players for an interview.
Joe Montemurro (pictured) claimed security reasons for the bizarre post-match scenes for the Matildas.
Sam Kerr seeking Matildas leadership role
Speaking ahead of the game, Kerr admitted she was keen for another leadership role. During her injury absence, Steph Catley took over the captain’s armband.
But speaking this week, Kerr said she feels passionate about the role. “On being the captain, of course I still feel really passionate about that,” she said. “I have so much more to give for this team in a leadership role.
“This team here will make football decisions, and I feel like football-wise, I’m one of the best leaders in the team. I feel really passionate and proud that I’ve been in that position before, and hopefully (it will) continue forward.”
Sam Kerr (pictured) returned to international football after 725 days.