Overlooked in the emotional scenes following Australia’s momentous win over Denmark was a moment of sheer class between Sam Kerr and Steph Catley.
Accor Stadium went berserk as Kerr was substituted into the game in the 80th minute, making her first appearance at the 2023 World Cup. Vice-captain Catley handed over the captaincy armband to the superstar striker as she walked onto the pitch.
As Australia celebrated the 2-0 win on Monday night, coach Tony Gustavsson approached the pair as the team began to huddle for their customary post-match pep talk.
Kerr followed the chat by pulling the armband out from her shorts and offering it to Catley, who had led the Aussie side for all three group games in Kerr’s absence.
TV cameras showed Catley’s jaw dropped when Kerr shoved the accessory into her stomach, but was quick to knock it back as a classy symbol of respect to the Chelsea player.
Kerr had earlier been widely praised for continuing to have a positive impact on the team while being unable to play as a result of a mysterious calf injury and gave the half time talk during Australia’s tournament opener against Ireland.
Her significance as a culture-driving personality was on display after the Denmark win as she spoke to the playing group with passion during the team huddle.
While it was unclear what was said, her words left teammates pumped up heading into a blockbuster quarter-final against France in Brisbane on Saturday.
Kerr and Catley both spoke about their special moment when speaking on the Matildas’ social media channels.
Catley said she had to convince Kerr to put the armband on when she ran onto the field late in the game.
“Well she was shaking her head and saying, ‘No, no, no, I don’t want it’. And I was like, ‘Please’. This is yours put it on,” Catley said.
Kerr said she appreciated Catley’s gesture.
“Me and her share this role,” she said.
“I know most of the time I wear this armband, but this tournament she’s just shown she’s a born leader and I didn’t think it really needed to come to me. But it was a nice gesture by her.”
Gustavsson also spoke to the players during the huddle and Aussie football star Chloe Logarzo explained the scene to viewers on Optus Sport’s World Cup broadcast.
“It’s normally led by Tony,” she said.
“Some times other people say stuff, but it’s all about getting close. Talking about the success of the night. How well they did and how proud he is of the team. Knowing that this circle is what’s going to get us to the final.”
It was far from the only classy gesture from Kerr after the full time whistle.
She was seen shaking hands and taking photos with fans after the game and also shared a special moment with girlfriend Kristie Mewis.
Kerr and Mewis, a US Women’s National Team midfielder, have been a public item since at least the Tokyo Olympics.
Kerr’s return from injury gives Australia a small selection headache with some concern over how it could impact Australia’s other attacking weapons when they step onto the field against France.