Many of Kerr’s standout moments felt like vintage Kerr, too. Her poaching instincts were on show with the header against the Philippines, her quality of finishing shone through in the strikes against both South Korea and North Korea, as she also displayed great anticipation to get the opportunity for her strike against the latter. The goal against China, which sent Australia into the Asian Cup final, was then an example of Kerr’s great movement, rounded off by a composed finish from a tight angle with her weaker foot.
Speaking before the tournament, the striker admitted she only felt at “about 85 per cent” after so long out. “I don’t want to say I’m at 100 yet,” she said. “I haven’t had one of those games yet where I felt completely myself.”
Reminded of those comments after her match-winning performance against North Korea in the quarter-finals, and asked where she felt she was at now, she said it was “more about confidence and feeling” rather than anything physical. “It’s more a mental game now than anything,” Kerr added. “But goals like tonight and wins like tonight really help my confidence.”
