Kerr Cameo Down Under

08/08/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Australia Advances as Sam Kerr Returns; England Survives Nigeria Upset in Penalty Shootout

The hosts are moving on at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup! Australia downed Denmark (2-0) yesterday morning to reach the quarterfinals after their star forward and missing link, Sam Kerr, returned from injury to give the Matildas a boost of energy. The Australians have now outscored opponents 9-3 in the World Cup with all three opposing goals coming in a 30-minute spell against Nigeria in their second match. They haven’t allowed a goal since (235+ minutes). In the other overnight match down under, England ended Nigeria’s dream World Cup run in a dramatic PK shootout (0-0, 4-2 PKs) despite the Nigerians being the stronger side. Lauren James received a late red card for stomping on an opponent, and that could haunt the Lionesses moving forward. England will be without James for at least one match, but FIFA officials could increase the punishment.

Who to Root for in Quarterfinals: We’ll be down to the final eight teams after this morning’s matches between Colombia-Jamaica and France-Morocco. And for fans of the U.S. Women’s National Team, you might be asking yourself who to root for. Australia and England are maybe the obvious answers. It’s hard to pull for Netherlands or Sweden after their history with the U.S. The winner of Jamaica and Colombia will represent the last hope for the Americas (North or South), so there’s regional/continental pride at stake. Japan and Spain have played as well as anyone, but Morocco is the last remaining underdog in play (as of today’s 7:00 am ET send time). We’ll breakdown all eight quarterfinalists in tomorrow’s edition. Despite the heartbreak for USWNT fans, we’re still kicking…

Women’s World Cup Highlights

England def. Nigeria (0-0, 4-2 PKs)

Australia def. Denmark (2-0)

Matches This Morning (Round of 16)

Colombia vs. Jamaica (4:00 am ET)
France vs. Morocco (7:00 am ET)

ESPN: England Star Lauren James Waits on Length of World Cup Ban

CBS Sports: Who USWNT Fans Should Root for Now at 2023 Women’s World Cup

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images