Kerr a true ‘superhero’

TEAMMATES say she is a joke — and not in a bad way.

So much for Sam Kerr not challenging for the Women’s World Cup golden boot.

A record four goals on one day was enough to lift Australia’s superstar striker level on five with United States equivalent Alex Morgan.

And the rest of the squad were appropriately approving of Kerr’s haul to beat Jamaica 4-1 and sneak them into the top two by a single goal.

“She actually said she was due for a hat-trick,” Caitlin Foord said. “So she got one today and got four.”

Former US World Cupwinner Heather O’Reilly branded Kerr “a bad lady”, while Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley labelled her “a joke”.

“She just shows up, doesn’t she,” Catley said.

“Whenever you need her she’s a superhero like that. We are very lucky to have her on our team.

“Having said that, the rest of the players did their job and got the ball to her head.”

That was certainly the case, but there was one woman on the end of it every time.

And the girl who grew up watching Tim Cahill put away two trademark headers in the first half before finishing the Jamaicans off with two closerange efforts in the second.

“And I actually wanted more after that, being my selfish self,” Kerr said.

The 25-year-old has certainly scored prettier goals than her fourth — pouncing on a dreadfully hashed clearance by second-choice Jamaica goalkeeper Nicole McClure — but maybe not one more important.

Brazil had just scored against Italy in the concurrent Group C game and Australia, leading 3-1, was headed for a third-place finish and roundof-16 match-up against heavyweights France or Germany.

“At the time I didn’t know how important it was,” she said later.

“I knew every goal would count and I’m just happy we could get that second spot.”