Soccer-Relieved Australia skipper Kerr happy to be wanted but not needed

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Round of 16 - Australia v Denmark - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 7, 2023 Australia's Sam Kerr acknowledges fans after the match REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

SYDNEY (Reuters) - 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.