SYDNEY, July 18, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Sam Kerr says the only thing missing in her
life is a major trophy with Australia -- and the Chelsea forward plans to
change that by winning her home World Cup.

Kerr made her Australia debut aged just 15 and has gone on to become one of
the best players in women's football.

Now 29, she is set to be the face of the World Cup when it kicks off on
Thursday, her profile having soared to new heights since moving to Chelsea in
2020 and steering them to the domestic double this year.

"She is a nightmare to defend. Her energy levels are like a 12-year-old. She
is infectious," Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said recently.

"I don't know a striker in world football who can do what she does. She's the
best."

Kerr is Australia's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Tim Cahill last year
as the nation's most prolific among men or women with 63 goals in 121
appearances.

She has been shortlisted for the women's Ballon d'Or and nominated for the
Best FIFA Women's Player consistently since 2017.

In 2019 Kerr became the first Australian, man or woman, to score a hat-trick
at a World Cup, but winning a major trophy with her country has eluded her.

"I just want to win a major tournament with the national team," the
Australian skipper said in a documentary, "Matildas: The World at Our Feet",
released in April.

"It's the only thing missing in my life right now... if we win the World Cup,
that would just be everything."

The tournament in Australia and New Zealand will be Kerr's fourth -- but
easily her biggest -- World Cup.

- 'I struggled a lot' -

Born to an Indian father and Australian mother, Kerr played Australian Rules
as a youngster and was convinced she would one day represent her beloved West
Coast Eagles, like her brother.

She switched though to football aged 12 and made her debut for the Matildas
as a substitute against Italy in 2009.

Kerr admits that shifting from Australian Rules -- where there was little
hope of earning a living as a woman -- was not easy.

"I remember I struggled a lot," she previously said.

"I'm really thankful for my time in the AFL, but I'm also thankful I had to
make the switch because there was no pathway for me at that time in AFL."

By now a footballer, she made her debut for the W-League's Perth Glory aged
15, spending four years at the club before moving to Sydney FC.

Known for her pace, agility and heading ability -- as well as her trademark
backflip goal celebrations -- Kerr left for the United States in 2013.

She went first to Western New York Flash, then Sky Blue FC in New Jersey and
finally Chicago Red Stars.

- 'Mature' -

It is since moving to Chelsea that Kerr has risen to a whole new level.

She has scored more goals than any other player in the Women's Super League
since moving there in 2020. Moreover, she has a sense for the big occasion
with her goals often proving decisive.

While her onfield achievements have grabbed attention, she has also won
plaudits for her work behind the scenes as an advocate for women's sport.

Named "Young Australian of the Year" in 2018, she was hailed as
"inspirational, well-grounded, professional and mature".

Kerr has helped drive change in Australian football with a minimum wage now
in place in what has become A-League Women, and players treated as
professionals.

"We work hard first and foremost but we also enjoy it. We love being a part
of this team and we love representing Australia," she said.

Australia, who are among the World Cup favourites, face the Republic of
Ireland in Sydney on Thursday's opening day.