Concern for Kerr as Matildas draw with Sweden

Matildas captain Sam Kerr was denied a sensational goal by the woodwork before an injury scare in Australia's nil-all draw against Sweden.

The match saw the Matildas' new manager Tony Gustavsson face his home country, as the Aussies managed to avoid a fourth-straight loss during his tenure.

Since taking the reins as Matildas coach, Gustavsson has endured heavy defeats to Germany (5-2) and the Netherlands (5-0) and a narrow loss to Denmark (3-2), before today's 0-0 draw with Sweden.

A formidable effort from 23-year-old goalkeeper Teagan Micah in her Matildas debut was a standout in a much-improved defensive display from the Aussie team.

In the 20th minute Micah made a sensational, leaping save on a Julia Roddar strike to announce her arrival on the international stage.

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Sweden have been undefeated this year, and facing them at home in Kalmar made for a tough test. But the Matildas were up to the challenge, producing several chances while also keeping a cleansheet.

Kyah Simon had the best opportunity of the first half, with her volley from close range off a Kerr cross into the box well saved by Sweden's goalkeeper Jennifer Falk.

Then Kerr attempted to produce some individual brilliance in the second half as she toyed with the Swedish defenders before putting a shot on goal. The ball rattled the underside of the crossbar, unlucky not to have snuck into the top corner.

The skipper came off the field not long after her near miss, appearing to be in some discomfort. There was no update on Kerr's leg injury but it will no doubt be monitored closely with their star striker and team leader a vital part of the squad for Australia's upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

"Things are just starting to come together. Patience and hard work are key," Elise Kellond-Knight tweeted post-game.

"Clean sheet, good team performance. Next up, Olympics. We keep going," Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter added.

The Matildas will have a chance to get a win against Sweden in just over a month when they meet again for their Olympic qualifying clash. Australia are in a tough group that also includes New Zealand and the world champions, USA.

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