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'Immaturity': Sam Kerr causes controversy with post-match spray

Sam Kerr has caused a stir at the Women’s World Cup after telling critics to “suck on that” after the Matildas’ incredible comeback to beat Brazil.

The Matildas ignited their stuttering campaign on Thursday with a stunning 3-2 victory after trailing 2-0.

It was just the second time a team has overturned such a deficit to win at a Women’s World Cup.

And considering the air of negativity that followed their first-up shock loss to Italy, it was a huge relief.

Captain Sam Kerr reflected that feeling after the match, delivering a cheeky spray to their critics.

Sam Kerr had some choice words. Image: Optus Sport
Sam Kerr had some choice words. Image: Optus Sport

"There were a lot of critics talking about us but we're back. So suck on that," she said.

"We don't listen to the haters. Look at that performance to come back from the deep.

"You can see what it means to us.

"We were so disappointed after the first game. Brazil are a top-10 team so the reaction from the girls at half time, I love these girls.

"And we're back in it."

‘Passion but immaturity’

Kerr’s comments were widely celebrated in the football community, however she’s come in for some criticism from two Matildas greats.

Cheryl Sainsbury, the Matildas’ most-capped player, said her comments showed a bit of ‘immaturity’.

“I probably would’ve chosen a few different words, but I was always a few years older when I took the captaincy,” Salisbury said on Optus Sport.

“But, it showed a bit of fire and a bit of passion, but also a bit of immaturity as well as a player and leader off the field as well.

Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter celebrate. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter celebrate. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“You’ve got to be able to do both, juggle both, be diplomatic occasionally when you feel something different and do what is best for the team sometimes and take away your personal opinion occasionally.”

Fellow Matildas great Heather Garriock said Kerr should’ve been focusing on the victory rather than listening to critics.

“In terms of critics and outside noise, I think they need to focus on themselves,” she said.

“If she is talking about the media, the Matildas shouldn’t be listening to the media.

“When you’re in camp, on the world stage, at a World Cup, you shouldn’t be listening to anything other than the coach and your teammates.”

Other commentators thought the raw moment was brilliant.

In 90 emotion-charged minutes at the Stade de la Mosson, Australia turned the wheel on their potential car crash campaign to have control of their destiny.

They will seal qualification for the next phase by defeating Jamaica on Wednesday (AEST), and can hope again of a deep run in France.

with AAP