The coach of Iran's women's soccer team has revealed she loves Sam Kerr so much that she even voted for the star Matilda in FIFA's Women's World Player of the Year award.
And Kerr's name has been officially etched into the WA sporting landscape after the recently-constructed $50 million WA State Football Centre was renamed the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Kerr came off the bench to score the sealer in Australia's rusty 2-0 Olympic qualifying win over Iran in Perth on Thursday night.
The final scoreline was considered somewhat of a win for world No.63 Iran, who were widely tipped to be pummelled by at least four goals despite the Matildas fielding a second-string XI.
Iran were under intense pressure all game, and the introduction of Kerr, Mary Fowler and Steph Catley in the 65th minute ramped things up even more.
Kerr scored a 78th-minute goal to send her hometown crowd of 18,798 fans wild.
After the match, Iran coach Maryam Azmoon revealed her admiration for the Matildas skipper.
“If I have to be honest with you, we have only seen these players on the TV and we know that they are very strong," Azmoon said.
"When I voted for the best women's player on the FIFA website, I have voted for Sam Kerr. I really love her.
"I told my players it must be an honour to play against them, but please do not feel afraid of them and do your best.
"I think my players didn't feel afraid of them."
Kerr said she was proud to have WA's premier football centre named after her.
"It fills me with pride to think that football in WA is growing so rapidly in popularity and that children, at a grassroots level, as well as world-class sporting teams will be able to access these impressive facilities," Kerr said in a statement.
"Football centres, such as this, create opportunities for kids that enable them to reach their full potential, and that is the ultimate goal."
Australia enjoyed 79 per cent possession during Thursday's match against Iran, and also dominated the shot count (25-2), corner count (19-0) and passes (657-189).
The Matildas will be back in action on Sunday when they take on group leaders the Philippines at a sold-out Optus Stadium.
The Philippines opened their campaign with a thumping 4-1 win over Taiwan.
It means Australia must beat the world No.44 Philippines in order to be in the box seat to top the group and advance to the next stage of qualifying.
Iran will face Taiwan as part of Sunday's double header.
