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    Friday, September 22, 2017

    Australia Matildas star Sam Kerr a shock omission from FIFA world player of the year shortlist


    Matildas star striker Sam Kerr is the talk of the football world, but according to FIFA she is not in the final three for the Women's Player of the Year award.
    Matildas striker Sam Kerr may be in unstoppable form on the pitch, but the Australian star has been a shock omission from the shortlist for the Best FIFA Women's Player award of 2017.
    The 24-year-old from Western Australia, whose outrageous backflip celebrations have become as well known as her stunning goals, was one of 10 players in contention for the award.
    When FIFA cut the list to three finalists on Friday night, Kerr's name was not to be found.
    The trio left in the hunt for the prestigious award were US midfielder Carli Lloyd — FIFA's player of the year in 2015 and 2016 — Dutch attacking player Lieke Martens and young Venezuelan striker Deyna Castellanos.
    The award is decided by votes from a combination of categories from national coaches, captains, members of the media and fans.
    The decision to leave out Kerr has prompted outrage on social media, as her Australian teammates and peers from around the world expressed amazement and frustration that she was not on the list.
    Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams — who has seen Kerr's performances up close this year — was one who posted her response to the shortlist.
    The reaction of retired American midfield great Julie Foudy — a two-time Women's World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medallist — summed up the feelings of many.
    American Abby Wambach, like Foudy a two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medallist, the Best Player for 2012, and world record-holder for the number of international goals with 184, also sent her support to the Australian.
    The award takes in the dates from November 20, 2016 to August 7, 2017 — the period does not include the Matildas' series win over Brazil in Australia earlier this month, where Kerr scored three of her team's five goals over two matches.
    Kerr has earned rave reviews from pundits and fans alike for her performances in a breakthrough year for the Matildas.
    Two months ago, the Australian team won the Tournament of Champions in the US, defeating the host nation for the first time ever, and thrashing Japan and Brazil to finish on top of the four-team event.
    Kerr scored four times over Australia's three games, including a first-half hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Japan, along with a goal in the Matildas' 6-1 victory over Brazil.
    This year she also won the W-League's Julie Dolan Medal as the competition's best player for the 2016/17 season for her performances at Perth Glory.
    In addition, Kerr became the all-time leading goalscorer in America's National Women's Soccer League, where she plays for Sky Blue FC in New Jersey.
    The announcement of who wins the Best FIFA Women's Player award for 2017 will be made at a ceremony in London on October 23.
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    Item Reviewed: Australia Matildas star Sam Kerr a shock omission from FIFA world player of the year shortlist Rating: 5 Reviewed By: billsports
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