Kerr: I’ll never forget historic Penrith clash

Westfield Matildas superstar Sam Kerr has seen plenty in her incredible career but admits Saturday’s historic win over Brazil is something she’ll cherish long after her playing days are over.

A SPECIAL DAY FOR THE MATILDAS

For the first time on home soil, the Matildas played in front of a sold-out crowd, with more than 15,000 fans packing out Penrith’s Pepper Stadium to see Alen Stajcic’s side defeat Brazil 2-1.

Australia’s all-time leading scorer Lisa De Vanna netted a stunning volley to give the Matildas the lead before Kerr sealed the win with an expertly taken header midway through the second half.

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The Matildas have played in front of big crowds before - notably more than 50,000 fans watched their Quarter Final clash with Brazil at the 2016 Olympics in Belo Horizonte – but Kerr said Saturday’s clash was a special experience.

“It was amazing to have a crowd that big get behind us girls. It was new for all of us.  It was something we thoroughly enjoyed and hopefully happens for many more games to come,” Kerr told  Matildas.footballaustralia.com.au .

“I think we’ve played in front of big crowds before but to play in front of a big home crowd is just a whole ‘nother level. 

“It’s something that I’ll remember forever, the first time we sold out a stadium. There were lots of our family and friends there.

“To hear the cheer from the crowd, being young girls, that was something that a lot of the girls have had to pinch themselves about.

“It’s something going forward in our careers that we’ll all the very proud of. Knowing that we represented the game like this.”

Westfield Matildas players thank the sell-out crowd at Pepper Stadium after their 2-1 win.

KERR BRACED FOR BRAZIL ONSLAUGHT

The Matildas face Brazil again in the second of their two-match series on Tuesday night in Newcastle with another big crowd expected at McDonald Jones Stadium.

After Australia thrashed the South Americans 6-1 at the Tournament of Nations last month in the USA, the Samba Stars adopted a physical approach on Saturday with Kerr and Lisa De Vanna on the receiving end of some over-zealous challenges.

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Kerr said the Matildas were expecting a response from the Brazilians and insists they’ll be ready for another tough clash on Tuesday night.

“Yeah definitely. After we beat them 6-1 we knew they wouldn’t be happy and they’d come out and make it a battle. That’s what they did,” Kerr said.

“We weathered it pretty well but we’ve got to be ready. Just because we’ve won the last two doesn’t mean anything so we’re going out there pretty focused.

“We’re ready for a battle but also ready to play some good football.”