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Australian fans explode after Kerr stunner ruled out, while tactics guru explains why

2nd August, 2021
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2nd August, 2021
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Sam Kerr had a stunning first half volley ruled out in controversial circumstances as the Matildas lost 1-0 to Sweden in their Olympic football semifinal to set up a bronze medal playoff against the United States.

Kerr volleyed home a perfectly delivered Steph Cately freekick from wide on the right on 42 minutes but the referee
Melissa Borjas of Honduras blew the whistle before the ball went in the net.

There was no obvious sign of an infringement as the Australians lined up to meet the freekick, but because Borjas blew the whistle so quickly there was no chance for the decision to be reviewed by VAR.

The decision will go down in Matildas history, in the same way that the Socceroos are haunted by a penalty won by Italy’s Fabio Grosso against Lucas Neill in the 2006 World Cup knockout stages.

The Australians were aghast at the decision and Australian fans were outraged.

The Matildas dominated the half but their sense of injustice was worse one minute into the second half when Sweden took a 1-0 lead through a scrappy strike from Fridolina Rolfo.

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‘Wreck it Rolfo’ was also Australia’s nemesis in the group game between the teams won 4-2 by Sweden.

Social media erupted at the decision to disallow Kerr’s goal.

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Although not everyone saw reason for outrage, including football tactics author and reporter Michael Cox of Zonal Marking.

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