 A devastated Sam Kerr has blamed her late miss against England on a lack of match fitness after Australia were beaten 3-1 in the semi-final of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday. The Lionesses took a first-half lead through Ella Toone's venomous effort but that strike was outdone in the second half by a moment of magic from Kerr, who drove towards goal before unleashing a thunderous drive that found the top corner. But the scores were not level for long as Lauren Hemp capitalised on some indecision in the Australian back-line before Alessia Russo wrapped up the result late on. The Matildas did have opportunities to equalise before England's third, tie-killing goal, with Kerr heading over before substitute Cortnee Vine forced Mary Earps into a fine save low down to her right. Australia's best chance of that frantic five-minute spell fell to Kerr from a corner, who was completely unmarked but blazed high over the bar from six yards with a sea of bodies on the goal line. The Chelsea forward started for the first time at the tournament against England, having been hampered by a calf injury, and she has now revealed that she only had a handful of training sessions in the build-up to the game – something that ultimately took its toll when the late chance fell her way. Speaking to Australia's Channel 7, Kerr said: 'Really disappointed obviously. We just fell short but yeah really proud of the girls for this whole tournament. Kerr had a great chance to level the scores and force extra-time (Picture: Getty) Despite her stunning goal, Kerr was totally distraught at full-time (Picture: Getty) 'The one I missed the last little bit but I think I did everything I can to be back in this tournament and if I train more than five times this World Cup maybe I would have sunk that one. 'I can't put all the blame on myself, I have to think of all the things the team have done and I've done to be){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
A devastated Sam Kerr has blamed her late miss against England on a lack of match fitness after Australia were beaten 3-1 in the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday.
The Lionesses took a first-half lead through Ella Toone’s venomous effort but that strike was outdone in the second half by a moment of magic from Kerr, who drove towards goal before unleashing a thunderous drive that found the top corner.
But the scores were not level for long as Lauren Hemp capitalised on some indecision in the Australian back-line before Alessia Russo wrapped up the result late on.
The Matildas did have opportunities to equalise before England’s third, tie-killing goal, with Kerr heading over before substitute Cortnee Vine forced Mary Earps into a fine save low down to her right.