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It was the moment the whole of Australia had spent more than two weeks waiting for, and it did not disappoint one bit.
After Sam Kerr had been ruled fit to face Denmark in a do-or-die round of 16 clash, the focus shifted to when exactly she’d take to the pitch.
Midway through the second half, it became apparent that fans would not have to wait too much longer to see Australia’s best player.
READ MORE: The Kerr scare that sent shivers through Matildas
AS IT HAPPENED: Matildas book spot in World Cup quarter-finals
READ MORE: Kerr’s return the cherry on top as Matildas advance
It was no surprise the Matildas scored their second goal as Kerr went through her paces on the sidelines in ominous fashion before her arrival 10 minutes from time.
Kerr described the ovation she received as “amazing”.
“The girls have been absolutely smashing it the last few games and joining them on the pitch finally after they’ve been doing all the work, it was an amazing feeling for me,” she told Optus Sport.
“It (the reception) is obviously amazing and makes me feel really good, but Australia has really taken us on as one of their favourite teams.
“Me personally in the last three weeks everyone’s made me feel really supported and welcomed back and I feel really lucky to be a part of this team.”
Steph Catley, who handed the captain’s armband to Kerr when she entered the pitch, said ”here were goosebumps when Sam came on.”
“They (the crowd) were so loud we heard them from start to finish. Honestly, it’s like having an extra player out there,” she said.
“It’s incredible. How many times do you get to a quarter-final and then add your best player and one of the best players in the world back? It’s something we’ve never had before. It means everything to have her back.”
Veteran defender Allanah Kennedy described Kerr as “the heart and soul” of the team.
“I absolutely loved it, I think the crowd loved it as well, the whole of Australia loved it,” she said.
“She’s the heart and soul of this team and so I’m really happy for her on a personal level because I know it’s been a tough time for her but she’s always put on a brave face. So, I’m really happy for her but also for us as a team.”
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