MATILDAS PLAYER RATINGS: Sam Kerr dazzles in heartbreaking defeat

MATILDAS PLAYER RATINGS: Sam Kerr cements herself as the best footballer in the world but it was a night to forget for Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord after Australia’s heartbreaking defeat by England in the World Cup

  • Australia suffered semi-final heartbreak against England 
  • The Matildas were outperformed by the Lionesses in Sydney 
  • Daily Mail Australia rates and slates the Tillies players 

Here are Daily Mail Australia’s player ratings for the Matildas’ defeat by England at the World Cup.  

Mackenzie Arnold: 6

Perhaps the only player that could be heard above the 75,000-strong crowd at Stadium Australia. An authoritative presence in between the sticks, she saved well off Georgia Stanway and could not be blamed for any of England’s goals. 

Ellie Carpenter: 3

At the top level, most errors end up being punished and unfortunately for Ellie Carpenter, her indecision has cost Australia just when they had their foot on England’s throat. 

Her dawdling on the ball allowed Lauren Hemp to pounce and put the tie to bed for England.  

Clare Hunt: 4

Allowed Hemp to waltz into the box for the first goal and looked less stable without her usual centre back partner Alanna Kennedy. Not her best night. 

Clare Polkinghorne: 5

A surprise selection after Kennedy fell ill and was unable to emulate her teammate’s performances at the back. 

Steph Catley: 5

Has been a constant threat down the left throughout the tournament but was nullified against England’s stubborn defence. Lost the captain’s armband to Kerr and failed to match her assured displays along the left. 

Hayley Raso: 6

Was kept quiet throughout but had a great chance from an Australia corner which was shut down by Lucy Bronze. Couldn’t get into her typical rhythm tonight. 

Katrina Gorry: 5

Has covered an incredible amount of ground this tournament but wasn’t on her toes to track the run of Ella Toone for England’s first goal. 100th game ends in tears. 

Kyra Cooney-Cross: 6

Started slowly, but showed some neat footwork to combine with Carpenter as the latter set up a good chance from Raso in the first half. Dropped to right back in the closing stages as Australia searched for a late equaliser.

Caitlin Foord: 4

Shut down completely by the imperious Lucy Bronze. Failed to capitalise on a wonderful Mary Fowler cross, with her weak header not troubling Mary Earps. 

Sam Kerr: 8

The undisputed best player in the world. It may not have been her night but she provided one of the greatest goals in World Cup history with that stunning effort to level the scores.

However, she spurned two glorious chances to bring Australia back into the game. She knows at this level those chances end up being punished and they duly were by Hemp and Alessia Russo.  

Mary Fowler: 5

Unable to find any joy dropping between England’s defensive and midfield lines, as she’s been able to do all tournament. Drifted in a couple of good crosses but failed to offer any real, sustained threat. 

Tony Gustavsson: 5

Didn’t react quickly enough to England’s physical tactics in the first half, nor was he able to solve the tactical conundrum that restricted his wide players. He’s had better nights in the dugout. 

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