Matildas star Sam Kerr hugs footballer girlfriend Kristie Mewis after making World Cup bow in Australia’s win over Denmark

Sam Kerr made a triumphant return to the pitch for Australia’s World Cup victory over Denmark and was rewarded with a big hug from his girlfriend, full-time footballer Kristie Mewis.

Kerr, 29, has been battling a calf problem to play for Tony Gustavsson’s side in the tournament, having skipped the first three games to recover from the injury sustained on the eve of the opening game against Ireland.

The Matildas captain has been eager to play a part for the co-hosts, who are one of the strongest teams left in the competition following the departures of the US, Brazil and Germany.

And on Monday, Gustavsson got Stadium Australia excited after fielding Kerr for the last 10 minutes of Matildas’ 2-0 win.

Kerr put in a mixed performance, sending the ball out of play as he tried to pass to a teammate, testing the goalkeeper with a rough effort before falling awkwardly to the grass after jockeying for a high ball.

Kerr took the field for the first time at the World Cup in Australia’s win over Denmark

But it was all smiles at full time and Kerr was congratulated by his soccer girlfriend Mewis, who plays for the USA women’s team, who was watching from the stands.

The soccer power couple shared a big hug in heartwarming scenes.

After the match, Kerr revealed that he was able to play in the final group game against Canada, but such was the dominating performance of his teammates that Gustavsson did not require his services.

“It was amazing,” he told Channel Seven. “Obviously it’s a great game for us. A little stressful. I’m not the best bench in the world, nervous.

The girls tore it apart. They have done amazing this week. Doing that performance after a great game is amazing.

He was going to play the last game, but the girls destroyed it. They didn’t need me.

‘Today there was a chance that I wouldn’t play if the girls broke it. We thought it was the best for me and the team and the girls totally nailed it. I am very proud of them.

“For me personally, it was a huge relief after three great weeks.

Believe it or not, we actually have a plan. The plan was just to warm up. Once we scored it was like a breather. Take it easy. When I was ready to go up, the trainers called me. I was ready. It was a long warm up. It was good in the end.

Kerr and Mewis have been dating since 2020 and both play soccer.

Mewis is a star on the US women’s national team, but her team is out of the World Cup.

Sam and Kristie are known to have started dating almost three years ago, when photos surfaced of them getting closer after a match between Australia and the United States at the Tokyo Olympics.

One of the most powerful couples in women’s sports knows how to keep the spark alive when it comes to a long-distance relationship, and she loves to share that spark with fans, friends, and other soccer stars.

We are not private people. I like to share my story. I like to share who I am outside of football. Soccer is 5 per cent of my life,” Kerr told British publication Gaffer earlier this year.

“We set little milestones and make time during the week where we watch the same show and FaceTime or have dinner together or something. But it’s difficult.

“I think what keeps us going is that we can see an end point. We both just want each other to do well in our careers. I don’t think you can be in a long distance relationship with someone who doesn’t understand the sport.

Mewis said it was special for the couple to be role models for gay women who do not come out for fear of homophobic abuse or rejection by society.

“I think just going out there and being two girls in love, I think if we can change one or two people’s lives and the way they feel about each other and how comfortable they feel, then that means a lot to me. I love sharing my relationship on social media,’ said the American star.