Matildas v Slovenia LIVE updates: Sam Kerr poses for photos with fans as Montemurro prepares for first match as coach We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. DismissSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer Our network Open NavigationMenu The Sydney Morning Herald The Sydney Morning Herald Search Site Show subsections Western Australia Show subsections Bulls N' Bears The economy Banking & finance Small business Show subsections North America Middle East South America Show subsections Western Australia Show subsections Domain Magazine Title Deeds Show subsections Rugby union Show subsections Tips & advice Show subsections Art & design Live reviews Show subsections Health & wellness Life & relationships Show subsections Destination guides Inspiration Reviews & advice Travel news Good Weekend Sunday Life Show subsections Super & retirement Planning & budgeting Environment Show subsections Conservation Climate change Sustainability Show subsections Video games PremiumSubscribe Today’s Paper Good Food Guide Daily Puzzles The Sydney Morning Herald Brisbane Times The Australian Financial Review Commercial Real Estate Advertisement Matildas v Slovenia LIVE updates: Sam Kerr poses for photos with fans as Montemurro prepares for first match as coach By Billie Eder Updated June 26, 2025 — 8.44pmfirst published at 8.33pm Log in, register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size 8.44pmKerr poses for photos with fans in Perth 8.36pmWheeler withdrawal adds to list of missing Matildas 8.25pmMatildas starting XI: Carpenter to lead, Micah in goals 8.18pmSam Kerr makes surprise appearance at Matildas camp 8.00pmWelcome Hide key posts Go to latest Pinned post from 8.07pm Have your say: who wins tonight? Latest posts Latest posts Kerr poses for photos with fans in Perth Sam Kerr takes a selfie with fans in Perth ahead of kick-off.Credit: Getty Images Sam Kerr makes a surprise appearance at the match in Perth.Credit: Getty Images Wheeler withdrawal adds to list of missing Matildas By Kayla Olaya Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler has withdrawn from tonight’s match due to personal reasons. Wheeler arrived in Perth earlier this week to train but had to withdraw yesterday, forcing coach Joe Montemurro to put a call in to Chloe Berryhill and Jessika Nash to bring them into camp as her replacements. Clare Wheeler has withdrawn from the Matildas clash tonight.Credit: Getty Images The loss comes as the already slimming Matildas side has three of its stars out with injury – Sam Kerr (ACL), Mary Fowler (knee) and Tameka Yallop (leg). Meanwhile, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry and Cortnee Vine are also out of tonight’s game on personal leave. Matildas starting XI: Carpenter to lead, Micah in goals Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has named Ellie Carpenter as captain in his starting XI, while veterans Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond are also starting on the pitch. Advertisement Sam Kerr makes surprise appearance at Matildas camp Superstar striker Sam Kerr will make a surprise cameo at Matildas training for the next fortnight, but her return-to-play timeline still remains a mystery. Kerr hasn’t played since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament while training with English powerhouse Chelsea 17 months ago. A normal recovery timeline for a knee reconstruction is nine-to-12 months, but it was recently revealed Kerr had suffered another injury - not related to the ACL - that also required surgery. The exact nature of that injury is yet to be detailed, and her return-to-fitness schedule also remains unclear. Kerr wasn’t named in the Matildas squad for the June/July FIFA Women’s international window, but she will link up with her Matildas teammates as they prepare for two games against Slovenia and two games against Panama. Have your say: who wins tonight? Good evening soccer fans, and welcome to our live coverage of the Matildas match against Slovenia in Perth tonight. It’s just a friendly match tonight, but it’s our first chance to see new head coach Joe Montemurro in action, and get an indication of the style of play he wants the team to implement. Kick-off is 9pm AEST, 7pm WST if you’re in Western Australia. Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro (right) and assistant coach Joe Palatsides (left) at training on Wednesday.Credit: Getty Images Most Viewed in Sport Advertisement Back to top The Sydney Morning Herald The Sydney Morning Herald Brisbane Times The Australian Financial Review Classifieds Place your ad Commercial Real Estate The Sydney Morning Herald Contact & support Advertise with us Newsletters Accessibility guide Photo sales Purchase front pages Content licensing Work with us Terms of use Privacy policy Press Council Charter of Editorial Independence AI Editorial Guidelines Products & Services Subscription packages Subscriber FAQs Delivery status Today’s Paper Good Food Guide Daily Puzzles Copyright © 2025