The unseen moment of sportsmanship from Sam Kerr after the heartbreak of World Cup defeat against England: ‘She is one of my best mates in the whole world’

As the final whistle sounded and reality set in on the end of the Matildas’ World Cup title ambitions, the players hugged and hugged the opposition.

But Aussie star Sam Kerr saved her biggest hug and a special surprise for a Lionesses member she considers her best friend.

Millie Bright is a Chelsea stalwart and was at the club when Kerr arrived in 2019.

The two have since become inseparable, so Bright was quick to console his mate after the historic result which will see England contest a World Cup final for the first time.

Millie is one of my best friends in the whole world,’ Kerr said.

So, in a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Kerr presented Bright with his prized game-worn jersey.

Bright consoles Kerr after the match, then emerges for an interview wearing Kerr’s shirt after the World Cup semi-final between England and Australia

It was a moment away from the cameras and spotlight between two good friends.

Ahead of the semi-final showdown against England, Bright put on a stern front when asked about her friendship with Kerr.

“I love Sam, but as soon as you cross that white line, she’s the opponent,” Bright said when asked how she would handle playing against her teammate.

“For me, no matter what happens away from here, she’s an opponent and there’s work to be done.”

It was a very different story after the game, however.

“I’ve been looking for this shirt for a long time,” said Bright Channel 7.

“She’s an incredible, world-class player.

“She gets a moment and it’s in the back of the net.

“In football we always have enormous respect for our opponents and some of our opponents are more than that, they are also friends.”

Kerr and Bright also shared a quick hug before the game in the tunnel, showing the bonds of their friendship

Bright and Kerr battle for the ball in their World Cup semi-final, where England won 3-1 to advance to the final against Spain

Bright and Kerr share lots of photos together on social media and have a great time on and off the pitch at Chelsea

“It (lose) sucks for one of us and I would have preferred to play her in the final,” she said.

“She’s my best friend at Chelsea.

“Even though it sucks, I wish her all the best and hope she can win (the final).”

Bright added that she was proud of Kerr’s efforts to overcome the calf injury she sustained throughout the tournament.

“Huge respect not only for the team (Matildas) but for Sam, my teammate back home,” Bright said.

“It’s hard, even if she is the enemy tonight, she is a very good friend.”

“I’m really proud of his journey and his injury and being able to be there tonight.”