Complicated twist in Matildas captain Sam Kerr's new romance
Sam Kerr's blossoming relationship is set to face a major test when the Matildas star comes face-to-face with her girlfriend's Team USA in the first of two international friendlies in Sydney on Saturday.
The Aussie superstar and her American girlfriend Kristie Mewis made headlines around the world with a beautiful moment after the two countries squared off in the bronze medal playoff match at the Tokyo Olympics.
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Shortly after the Games, Kerr went public with her relationship after photos emerged of her and Mewis hugging on the pitch following Team USA's thrilling victory.
Mewis could be seen consoling Kerr after the Aussie star was left heartbroken by the loss.
The loved-up couple then set the internet alight after sharing a raunchy snap of them kissing by a pool.
Now the Matildas captain will be given the opportunity to exact some revenge and perhaps lock horns with Mewis on the pitch, when the women's football powerhouses meet in two friendlies.
Australia play the US in Sydney on Saturday and Newcastle next Tuesday in their final camp before January's Asian Cup tournament in India.
The hitouts against the four-time FIFA Women's World Cup champions will provide the Matildas with crucial preparation as they set their sights on winning the Asian Cup for the first time since 2010.
Kerr's scintillating form this season has seen her nominated for the FIFA Best Women's Player award for a fifth consecutive year.
Kerr is yet to win the award, which was last year claimed by England defender Lucy Bronze, but is once again on the 11-player shortlist, which is based on footballing achievements from October 8, 2020 to August 6, 2021.
Sam Kerr shortlisted for top FIFA gong
The Chelsea superstar, who is the only Australian nominated for a FIFA award, went to another level in that window, claiming her first Women's Super League golden boot with 21 goals.
Kerr and Chelsea also claimed WSL title, the League Cup and the Community Shield, along with reaching the Women's Champions League final for the first time.
The 28-year-old was also a standout at international level, scoring six goals at the Tokyo Olympics as captain of the Matildas - who finished fourth for their best result at the Games - to become Australia's all-time leading women's goal scorer.
The Matildas captain scored a recent hat-trick for Chelsea in her side's 5-0 drubbing of Birmingham, prompting Blues coach Emma Hayes to describe Kerr as “one of the best strikers, if not the best striker, in the world”.
“Watching her develop in the last 18 months has been amazing,” Hayes said.
“There were lots of people who wondered how she would cope playing in European football. Not only has she adapted to that, but she’s excelled.”
Three of Kerr's Chelsea teammates in skipper Magdalena Eriksson (Sweden), fellow forward Pernille Harder (Denmark) and playmaker Jo So-Yun (South Korea) are also on the player of the year shortlist.
Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas (Spain), Caroline Graham Hanson (Norway), Jenni Hermoso (Spain) and Aitana Bonmati have been recognised after their side won the treble.
Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema, Manchester City's Bronze and Ellen White (England), Portland and Canada captain Christine Sinclair and Sweden and BK Hachen star Stina Blackstenius round out the nominees.
A public vote is now open on FIFA.com and will remain so until December 10, with three finalists announced in January. The winner will be revealed on January 17.
with AAP
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