Ante Milicic described Sam Kerr as an "inspirational leader" after she scored all four goals in Australia's 4-1 win over Jamaica at the Women's World Cup on Tuesday.
Kerr – who is now the joint top scorer in the tournament with the United States' Alex Morgan on five – scored two in each half to help the Matildas to a second-place finish in Group C.
The result means it will face Norway in the last 16 on Saturday and Milicic was in no doubt that his star striker should receive all of the plaudits after her stunning display.
"She's an inspirational leader," he told a media conference. "We as an Australian football community should be thankful that we're witnessing one of the best players in the world.
"I'm very fortunate to work with her and coach her.
"Sam is all about goals. In the lead up to the game, we didn't want to focus on individuals – we were more focused on getting the result as a team.
"I'm delighted for her – it's history. All the accolades should go to Sam but we should also recognise the service she got from her team-mates."
Jamaica boss Hue Menzies was also in awe of Kerr's performance, saying she has a talent that cannot be taught.
"It doesn't get any better than that," he said. "The kid is resilient, she's a goalscorer, she plays for her badge and her country. I like her attitude, especially in the box. You can't teach that – she just has it.
"I told her after the game that it was good to sit back and watch her – I'd pay to come and watch her.
"She has it in her and brings the team with her. A lot of kudos goes out to the kid."
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