One Matildas star by no means made it to be along with her teammates after the workforce introduced unhappy information earlier than the beginning of the sport.
Supporters hailing from varied components of Sydney are rallying behind the Matildas as they put together to face off in opposition to England within the semi-final match of the World Cup.
Whereas Australia celebrated the information Sam Kerr was chosen to start out for the Matildas for the primary time within the event — commentators had been stunned to study Kennedy wouldn’t participate within the match.
Matildas officers mentioned Kennedy was not in attendance at Stadium Australia on Wednesday on account of her sickness.
She was changed by Clare Polkinghorne, probably the most capped Matildas participant with 153 appearances within the beginning workforce.
Kennedy has been an important piece for the Matildas, and had performed all 548 minutes up to now this event at centre-back together with Clare Hunt.
Her measurement and energy within the air has seen her used at set items and late in video games as a goal possibility, and netted her a aim in opposition to Nigeria.
Mel McLaughlin described the choice modifications as “huge workforce information” on Channel 7.
Socceroos legend John Aloisi added: “The large one is Polkinghorne coming in. Alanna Kennedy and Clare Hunt, they’ve shaped a very good relationship and partnership collectively.
“Polkinghorne, who has a wealth of expertise, hasn’t actually performed that a lot. I’m to see how they go tonight.”
Alanna Kennedy will miss the semi-final with sickness. (Picture by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Pictures)
Sam Kerr will begin, but it surely’s heartbreak for Alanna Kennedy. Picture: AFP and Matrix
The Matildas’ World Cup ended in heartbreak and scenes of devastation at Stadium Australia.
After England scored the one aim of the primary half, Aussie skipper Kerr ignited the match when she scored an extended vary stunner halfway by means of the second half.
Whereas Australia appeared good because the parochial crowd received behind the Matildas, the Lionesses delivered two brutal blows to run away with the 3-1 win.
It was such a merciless manner for Australia to exit after Sam Kerr got here up with a second of magic to stage the scores at 1-1.
Nonetheless, England confirmed their class to carry their nerve when it mattered probably the most.
It means England will play Spain for the 2023 Girls’s World Cup on Sunday, whereas the Matildas will play Sweden on Saturday evening at 6pm at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium within the third positioned playoff.
“Heartbreak for the Matildas,” David Basheer mentioned on Channel 7.
“However pleasure for Sarina Wiegman who has been at this stage earlier than along with her native Netherlands.
“Time for celebration for a workforce that needed to rebuild main as much as the World Cup.
