Canada's Fleming keen to play Kerr in do-or-die World Cup clash

SYDNEY : Canada's Jessie Fleming has had Monday's Women's World Cup match against Australia on her mind since the schedule was announced, keenly anticipating facing off against her Chelsea team mate Sam Kerr in what has become a do-or-die Group B game for both squads.

"Every time I do something well in training, Sam tells me to 'Leave it in Cobham (Chelsea's training base),'" Fleming laughingly told CBC earlier this month. "So yeah, there's definitely some joking back and forth.

"But I know Sam, and she takes it very seriously once she starts to play, but before and after the game, I'm sure it'll be it'll be all jokes. I'm really excited for the game."

The 25-year-old Fleming was key to Canada's historic Olympic gold medal in Tokyo with her steely-nerved penalty kicks, while Kerr is the Matildas' all-time leading goal-scorer with 63.

Together they won their fourth consecutive Women's Super League title and the Women's FA Cup this season with Chelsea.

Until Saturday, it seemed uncertain whether they would get to meet in the final group game after the 29-year-old Kerr missed her team's first two matches with a calf injury. She was given the green light on Saturday, saying she was "feeling good."

Tenth-ranked Australia must win in Melbourne to advance to the knock-out round, while the seventh-ranked Canadians need only a draw.

"I know the Aussies have a very good fan base and I think the atmosphere there will be just spectacular. I think it's such a cool opportunity getting to play the host nation. And yeah, I think that's the game I'm most excited for," Fleming said before travelling to the World Cup.

Fleming, who has 113 caps to her credit, sat out Canada's opening game - a 0-0 draw with Nigeria - with her own calf injury and