Kerr scores four to book Matildas' last-16 place

Australia withstood a spirited second-half display from Jamaica to progress to the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup.

GRENOBLE, FRANCE - JUNE 18: Nicole McClure of Jamaica clears the ball during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group C match between Jamaica and Australia at Stade des Alpes on June 18, 2019 in Grenoble, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Sam Kerr scored four goals as Australia booked its place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with a 4-1 Group C win over Jamaica on Tuesday.

The Matildas captain powered home headers in the 11th and 42nd minutes to give Ante Milicic's side a deserved half-time lead at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble.

Jamaica responded superbly after the break, though, Havana Solaun scoring their first World Cup goal four minutes after the restart.

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Kerr killed off any hopes of a comeback from Hue Menzies' side with goals in the 69th and 83rd minutes to secure a place in the knockout stages and a tie with Norway.

The Matildas wasted little time forging ahead, Kerr sending a looping header over Nicole McClure from Emily Gielnik's cross in the 11th minute.

Emily van Egmond's deep cross cannoned back off the crossbar six minutes later, while McClure pawed over another Kerr header midway through the half.

There was little the Jamaica goalkeeper could do about Kerr's second, though, with the Chicago Red Stars forward given plenty of room to meet Katrina Gorry's right-wing cross from six yards with a thumping header.

Half-time substitute Solaun had an immediate impact, collecting Khadija Shaw's pass and slotting past two back-tracking Australian defenders after rounding Lydia Williams.

Williams had to be alert soon after to paw away Cheyna Matthews' fierce drive, while Shaw flashed wide after a surging run shortly after the hour mark as a much-improved Jamaica threatened to pull level.

They were punished for those misses, however, when Hayley Raso's cross bounced off Sashana Campbell and into the path of Kerr, who slotted home from five yards.

Things got worse for Jamaica seven minutes from time when Kerr pounced on McClure's scuffed attempt at a pass to power home from close range and wrap up a comfortable victory.