Relieved Australia skipper Kerr happy to be wanted but not needed

SYDNEY : Australia captain Sam Kerr said finally getting onto the pitch at her home Women's World Cup on Monday was a relief, but conceded that her team mates had probably not needed her contribution to reach the quarter-finals.

Kerr has spent much of Australia's first four matches recovering from a calf injury sustained on the eve of their opener but finally made her tournament bow with the Matildas already 2-0 up against Denmark in their last 16 clash.

The 75,784 fans crammed into the stadium built for the 2000 Olympics rose as one to greet the entry of the world class striker as a substitute in the 78th minute.

"Me coming on, personally, it was big relief after a big three weeks," she said.

"It was amazing. Obviously it's a big game for us. Bit nerve-racking. I'm not the best bench player in the world, I was nervous.

"The girls smashed it. They've done unbelievable this week. To put in that performance after a big game is amazing."

That big game was the 4-0 thrashing of Olympic champions Canada which secured Australia's passage into the knockout rounds as group winners as well as killing off any concerns that the Matildas might struggle without Kerr up front.

Again on Monday, forwards Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso found the net with Mary Fowler, playing as a false nine, providing the key passes for both.

"I was going to play last game but the girls smashed it. They didn't need me," Kerr added.

"Today, there was the possibility that I wouldn't play if the girls smashed it. We thought it was best for me and the team, and the girls absolutely killed it. I'm so proud of them."

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson said the decision to bring on Kerr had not been straightforward and his heart had been in his mouth when she took a