It was Kerr who stepped up to shine when it mattered most to give the Matildas that all-important equaliser

Key stats as Kerr's crazy scoring record salvages AFC Women's Asian Cup

Sam Kerr struck late as the Westfield Matildas narrowly averted an early exit from the AFC Women's Asian Cup with a 1-1 draw against Japan.

The free-scoring forward grabbed the all-important goal in the 86th minute that sealed progression to the Semi-Finals, along with a berth at next year's FIFA Women's World Cup.

Get the key facts from a nail-biting encounter in Amman.

  • This was the first score draw for Australia in 401 days since finishing 1-1 against Denmark at the Algarve Cup in March 2017.
  • Japan's goal was scored with what was just the second shot on target of the game after 63 minutes.
  • Mizuho Sakaguchi's strike was the first goal the Westfield Matildas had conceded in any competition in 367 minutes of play.
  • Alen Stajcic's team have now netted at least once in 16 of their last 18 international matches (51 goals in total). They have lost just one of those games (W13 D4).
  • Kerr has scored 16 goals in Australia's last 14 matches in all competitions.
  • Despite being substituted in the 51st minute, Lisa De Vanna attempted four shots, more than any other player in the match.
Lisa De Vanna