Sam Kerr became Australia’s highest scorer in men’s or women’s senior international football, surpassing Tim Cahill on her way to a five-goal feast in a Matildas Asian Cup victory that raised plenty of eyebrows.
Kerr ended with five of Australia’s 18 goals in a staggering rout of Indonesia that left Network 10’s pundits baffled as to Australia’s approach.
The Chelsea striker took just 12 minutes to surpass Cahill’s record of 50 goals and ended the game with 54.
At a time when Australia has struggled to bring through younger players, this was clearly a chance to give some of them extended time on the pitch. And while Holly McNamara came on for a second half debut, perhaps the most puzzling decision was to give game time to 36-year-old Aivi Luik. Luik scored the 17th goal and it was a peach, back heeling in a cross from the left.
“I have to say I’m really disappointed tonight,” said former Matildas player Georgina Yeoman-Dale on the Network 10 coverage.
“Fantastic , we’re scoring a lot of goals but with what team?
“These girls have so many caps under their belts, they have so much experience, they’re playing top level football and we’ve come out with our strongest team when we had an opportunity to play young players.
“I don’t understand why he’d want to come out and have Sam Kerr score five goals again Indonesia.”
The criticism divided Matildas’ fans.
"I'd have to say I'm really disappointed tonight if anything"
Georgia Yeoman-Dale said this after the Matilda's 18-0 win over Indonesia. But should Tony Gustavsson have prioritised youth over experience? ????#WAC2022 #AUSvIDN pic.twitter.com/Jod6M8bQfB
— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) January 21, 2022
She is spot on.
Spain did that in their #fifawwc qualifiers against weaker opponents.
Everyone needs game time. Matches like this should be used for blooding youngsters.
Did the #matildas stars gain anything apart from improving personal milestones? ????#WAC2022 #AUSvIDN— sudeep das (@sudeepdas46) January 21, 2022
You can only beat the opponent in front of you & credit to the #Matildas for well & truly doing that. But other than 3 points, what did tonight achieve for anyone? Surely an opportunity to start more youngsters missed. @gyeomandale nailing it in the post-game. #AUSvIDN #WAC2022
— Rob Greenwood (@robgreenwood1) January 21, 2022
I disagree that lots of new/young players get played in that game. It would not give them close to the experience of most International football the Matildas will be involved in. Against Thailand or Philippines will be better games to start with. #WAC2022
— Nathalie Brough (@nbrough) January 21, 2022
This was the third-biggest win in Matildas’ history.
As well as Kerr’s exploits, Emily van Egmond grabbed four in the rout while fullback Ellie Carpenter, winger Hayley Raso and second-half substitute Kyah Simon all bagged doubles.
Indonesia, the world No.94 team making their first Asian Cup finals appearance in 33 years, were on the back foot from the outset and it took just nine minutes for Kerr to open her account.
Just two minutes later the 28-year-old made it a double at the back post to surpass Cahill’s record.
Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord got in on the act in the 14th minute, smashing home before young gun Mary Fowler made it four in the 17th minute.
Hayley Raso headed home in the 24th minute after Indonesia goalkeeper Fani misjudged her attempt to cut out a cross before Kerr completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Carpenter thrashed home her second international goal with a thumping finish in the 34th minute before van Egmond wrapped up the first-half with their ninth goal, stroking home the second penalty awarded to Tony Gustavsson’s team.
Having scored just once in her previous 54 internationals, Carpenter got her second of the game and Australia’s 10th when her cross-cum-shot drifted over substitute goalkeeper Nurhalimah and into the net.
Van Egmond notched a quickfire double to complete her own hat-trick before Kerr smashed Australia’s third penalty of the match onto the crossbar.
The Matildas continue their campaign on Monday against the Philippines, coached by ex-Australian mentor Alen Stajcic, while Indonesia take on Thailand in their next match.
"We really put our foot on the gas from the first minute to the last minute"
Sam Kerr reflects on tonight's record-breaking night for @TheMatildas#AUSvIDN #WAC2022 pic.twitter.com/Mf0Zw7WaII
— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) January 21, 2022
(With AAP)
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