From the very beginning of this epic Women's World Cup, Sam Kerr carried the expectations of the nation on her shoulders. And despite the Matildas' crushing semifinal defeat, her golden goal in the 63rd minute had the whole of Australia bursting with pride.
Reflecting on our national team's incredible performances, the star striker wants the country to know how much the past few weeks have meant to her.
"We're all just really proud of each other and just wish we could've got over the line," she said last week. "But no matter what happens, I wouldn't want to be on any other team. This is my team, my mates, my best mates, I love them all to death."
A soccer insider tells Woman's Day that despite her obvious heartbreak over losing to the Lionesses, Sam, 29, swiftly turned her focus to supporting the rest of the Matildas.
BIG DECISIONS
"She is all about team first and following her heart," the source says. "So for her to lead her beloved Matildas onto the field all the way has made her even more proud of being an Aussie. "Her main focus is always her teammates and then the fans - it has singularly been her all-time favourite career tournament."
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