Sam Kerr sends Olympic Games message to Matildas ahead of opening match against Germany

Sam Kerr has thrown her support behind the Matildas, with the Australia superstar watching from afar as Tony Gustavsson's side got their Olympic Games journey under way on Thursday. 

Kerr, 30, was ruled out of competing for her country in Paris owing to a long-standing knee injury that has kept her sidelined since early January.

But that has not stopped her from cheering on her teammates as they took to the field for their tough opening match against world No 4-ranked Germany in Marseille.

Kerr posted an image of her TV screen with the caption: 'Cmon girlies' as the Matildas belted out the national anthem before kick off.

But it was a bad start to the Games for Tony Gustavsson's side as they fell behind in the first half, with Marina Hegering powering a bullet header past Mackenzie Arnold and into the back of the net.

Steph Catley, who was wearing the captain's armband in Kerr's absence, caused concern among Matildas fans after going down with a headknock, but returned to the field after receiving medical attention. 

More to follow.