Matildas v Canada: Australia reach the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after a 4-0 win
The dream is alive. The Matildas did everything they needed to and more against Canada to secure their spot in the World Cup knockout stage in a clash full of drama.
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The Matildas have stood up to extreme pressure to produce one of their greatest ever performances, blasting four goals past Canada to emphatically reach the knockout rounds from the top of the group.
The troubles of the first two games were put firmly in the rearview mirror as a disciplined and ruthless outfit put the reigning Olympic champions to the sword, sending them packing from the tournament as Nigeria claimed second place with a nil-all draw against Ireland.
Hayley Raso led the charge with a brace in an electric first half, with her first goal initially denied due to an off-side call before it was overturned by VAR.
It was a busy night for the virtual system as it denied Mary Fowler a 34th minute goal with Ellie Carpenter caught off-side, before it awarded Katrina Gorry an injury-time penalty which was hammered home by acting captain Steph Catley.
Caitlin Foord enjoyed a shift back to a wing role and settled any second half nerves in the Matildas camp when she set up Fowler with a marauding run from the left towards goal in the 58th minute.
Foord released the ball at the last possible moment, almost tugging it in too late for Fowler, but the young striker was able to get just enough of a connection for her shot to deflect in off the post for her first World Cup goal.
The Matildas kept Canada’s defenders busy all night and were hardly troubled at their own end, but it took a firm save from Mackenzie Arnold at the near post to deny substitute Deanne Rose after a dangerous counter-attack in the 66th minute.
Coach Tony Gustavsson said before the game that Kerr would be available for “limited minutes” as she continues to nurse a calf strain, but it became evident the captain would only be risked in an emergency when she did not participate in the light pre-game warm-up with the rest of the squad.
Gustavsson was under the spotlight himself going into the match and for now will keep his job.
John Aloisi was still critical of him.
“(He) definitely would have lost his job,” Aloisi said on Channel 7.
“He would have been a failure. He spoke about that leading into the game, that it would have been a failure. I still think - and I’m going to be critical here - I think Tony still should have made subs earlier.
“We are going through deep in the tournament. We only played 14 players.”
Former Arsenal superstar Ian Wright was in attendance and heaped praise on the Matildas.
“They did dismantle them. They did what they needed to do, Australia. We know Canada are very defence havely strong. They always score many goals.
“I always thought if Australia could nick a couple they are probably not going to score as many as Australia so I’m really pleased.”
Asked for his take on the controversial goal that was disallowed, Wright said: “I couldn’t understand where the off-side was when that happened.
“It was a great finish. Great time to score. They had the momentum. They were playing very well so it was a good time score.”
The result means the Matildas top group B, and unless England suffers an upset loss to China, will likely face Denmark on Monday August 7 in Sydney at 8.30pm AEST.
RASO DAZZLE
Hayley Raso just kept getting herself to the right spots as her calm finishing finally gave the Matildas the potency in attack they had been craving without Kerr.
The recent Real Madrid signing found herself open in acres of space when a superb low cross from Catley got through three Canadian defenders, and she used all the time she was given with a composed right-foot finish into the bottom left corner.
Raso forced a fingertip save from rival goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan only four minutes later after another brilliant ball from Catley, before she capitalised on an errant first touch from Quinn at a chaotic corner to tuck away a second on her left in the 39th minute.
STARTS FROM THE BACK
Mackenzie Arnold was rarely troubled in the first half by Canada’s strikers but still had a significant influence with her pinpoint distribution by foot.
Arnold was put under heavy pressure when Ellie Carpenter was forced to play a heavy pass back, but she trapped it coolly and then executed a booming pass to Caitlin Foord at centre wing, which put the gears in motion for Raso’s opener as Canada struggled to react to the speed of the Matildas’ transition back into attack.
TONY’S TWEAKS
With Vine taken out of the starting 11, Foord was pushed out to a wing as coach Tony Gustavsson opted to use inclusion Emily van Egmond in a central role behind lone striker Mary Fowler.
Subjected to heavy scrutiny during the week, this time Gustavsson’s move immediately paid off, as Foord combined brilliantly with Arsenal teammate Catley on the left, and van Egmond again impressed with her vision and creativity in her more customary advanced role.
The adjusted formation will likely be the blueprint for the Matildas moving into the knockout stages if Kerr cannot return as a starter.
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT
1. KERR WAS PROBABLY NEVER RIGHT
The signs were there from the moment Sam Kerr stepped onto AAMI Park in a puffer jacket and didn’t take part in the warm up. The Matildas have been loath to give anything about Kerr’s calf injury away, including a bizarre pre-match interview where coach Tony Gustavvson dodged questions from Mark Schwarzer. The plan was probably always to break glass in case of Kerr-mergency, but Gustavsson never had to deploy his skipper after Australia took command in the first half. Now all eyes are on the round of 16 clash.
2. LEFT SIDE, STRONG SIDE
You might remember the line from cult American movie Remember the Titans. It definitely applied to the Matildas. Stand-in skipper Steph Catley caused all sorts of headaches for Jayde Riviere and Kadeisha Buchanan, with her cross from the left splitting the defence for Raso’s first goal. Caitlin Foord was a constant menace after being shifted from striker to the flank, giving Riviere a torrid time in the first half. The third goal came when Foord ghosted down the left, cut to the byline and teed up Fowler.
3. RASO THE REAL DEAL
Hayley Raso’s move to world football powerhouse Real Madrid just before the world cup barely caused a ripple back home. Now, even Australia’s casual football fans know who the speedy winger is. She could not have been more composed for the opening goal, slamming the ball home into the bottom corner to give Australia a crucial advantage. Her second was all about reaction time, pouncing on a mistake from Canadian goalkeeper Kaelin Sheridan to prod home. Real Madrid’s women’s team might have gained a few extra Australian fans after Raso’s heroics.
4. TONE IT DOWN
No one in the Matildas’ camp was under as much pressure as coach Tony Gustavsson, whose job was almost certainly riding on the Matildas making it out of the group. He was criticised heavily for his lack of response when Australia went down 3-1 to Nigeria, waiting more than 80 minutes to make a substitution. Bowing out in the round of 16, or even the quarter-final, might not be enough for him to remain Matildas coach. But for now, he lives to coach another day.
5. BEAUTY AND AGONY OF VAR
The VAR can be the most beautiful or brutal experience.The Matildas thought they had doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Mary Fowler slammed the ball into the top of Sheridan’s net, only for the goal to be ruled out after a lengthy. The back half of one of Ellie Carpenter’s feet was enough for the goal to be chalked off. But earlier, the Australians worked the margins perfectly when Steph Catley stayed onside before crossing to Raso to open the scoring. She was initially flagged for off-side before VAR overturned the call.
FULLTIME: MATILDAS ARE THOUGH!
88” FINISH THE JOB
Well that’s that then. The Matildas are into the knock out stage and it’s a late penalty that has wrapped things up. Catley with another banger form the spot and the celebrations will be wild in Melbourne. What a result. What a performance.
79” WATCH OUT WORLD
Remember about 90 minutes ago when I didn’t sugar-coat what I thought of the Matildas so far this tournament. How their performances have been pretty ordinary. Well they’ve flip reversed it tonight and what we have seen is a terrific display of passion, ability and never say die.
Catley and Fowler have been immense and they’ve just combined to force Sheridan into yet another save before hitting the woodwork.
Now this is a Matildas side that has what it takes to go a lot further in the competition.
Finally we have seen something resembling good football.
54” MATILDAS SUB
Huge applause for first-half goalscorer Hayley Raso who has been taken out of the game with 15 minutes of normal time left. She’s replace by Cortnee Vine. And just after that change another Canada shot is forced over the Matildas goal.
They’ve gone to sleep in the last 10 minutes but Canada can’t make them pay.
58” FOWLER’S GOAL
MARY FOWLER GETS HER GOAL!!!
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 31, 2023
She’s had one ruled out but they won’t rule this one off.
Australia in dreamland ðŸ˜ðŸ‡¦ðŸ‡º
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/zkrZdKDkdA#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/Auh871ZV78
52” KYRA CROSS OR MESSI?
Not gonna lie that was a bloody sublime effort out of seemingly nowhere from Kyra Cross. 30 yards out from goal and she’s almost pulled off the strike of the tournament - your Messis and Beckhams would be proud of that effort. Forces a save and it is all Australia in this second half.
How did Canada win gold at the Olympics?
48” TROUBLE FOR MATILDAS?
Katrina Gorry’s night may well be over soon, the Aussie star taking a massive blow to the ankle on a heavy tackle.
She’s on her feet but looking a little worse for wear.
Meanwhile up at Suncorp Stadium the cross bar has just denied Nigeria the lead against Ireland. It remains 0-0.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY
Deanne Rose, Sophie Schmidt, Chapman and Cloe Lacasse coming on for Canada and the latter is an incredibly dangerous prospect. Matildas are the same
So what must the Matildas do? Elise Kellond Knight says it’s foot down and no hesitation.
“(Tony) would say we need to go for the third, to put it to bed to go to the third goal. Bring the intensity. If we drop a level it’s trouble.”
ABSOLUTE CHAOS: OUTRAGE AS MATILDAS GOAL RULED OUT
VAR has gone from Australia’s best friend to its enemy.
The Matildas were denied a second goal after Ellie Carpenter was ruled to be off-side when Mary Fowler scored.
It was the tiniest or margins and the referee was booed mercilessly as a result of her decision.
But the Matildas responded in the perfect way with Hayley Raso netting her second of the night just minutes later.
There was chaos in the Canadian penalty area from a corner.
Sheridan missed her punch, fell over with Raso was in prime position to nod home.
Earlier, Australia took the lead after Steph Catley’s incisive run down the left flank set up the goal.
Her cross caused confusion among the Canadian defence and Raso made no mistake when the ball fell to her right foot.
She took her time and struck to perfection - and up went the flag.
While the goal was called into question VAR overturned the off-side call to award the goal.
YELLOW CARD FOR THE COACH
For reasons I am yet to fully comprehend Tony Gustavsson has just picked himself up a yellow card.
The Matildas coach is still mouthing off on the sidelines, clearly furious about something.
You’d think he’d be thrilled. 2-0 up and now he probably won’t have to risk Sam Kerr and conceded she’s not fit at all. But that’s just my opinion.
A superb half from Australia after a shaky opening five minutes. Raso a star. Who needs Kerr.
HALF-TIME REPORT CARD
By Tilly Werner
A sterling start for the Matildas sees them take a significant two-goal advantage into the break.
Hayley Raso but were cruelly denied a second goal through Mary Fowler after a contentious VAR decision ruled out Fowler’s finish, before Hayley Raso scored a brace moments after to regain the two-goal lead.
The fast transition play and Caitlin Foord’s move back to left striker has seen the Matildas back to their best football.
Foord’s pairing with Arsenal teammate and Matildas stand-in captain Steph Catley has been the centre of Australia’s attack, with Catley providing the delivery for Raso’s first goal.
Canada is dominating possession at 69%, with Australia happy to allow them time on the ball and keep a high line in defence.
It’s allowed Raso, Catley and Ellie Carpenter to play their best football of the tournament so far, using their speed and control of both flanks.
OUTRAGEOUS OFFSIDE CALL
Honestly when this second goal was referred I thought it was because of the foul on the Canadian player not Carpenter being off-side. I’d also be arguing Carpenter was fouled. But far out not an off-side, that’s ludicrous.
Heartbreak for the Matildas with the CLOSEST of offside calls ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 31, 2023
Mary Fowler thought she’d added a second for Australia but VAR says no.
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/zkrZdKDkdA#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/gOsr3ylaOR
33” GOAL MATILDAS!!!!!
Australia have one foot in the KO phase of this tournament and they’ve done it in stunning fashion. Great run from Ellie Carpenter, there’s a deflection off the defender, Canadian keeper is forced to save off her own player and the rebound falls to Fowler who HAMMERS IT IN.
30” IT’S ALL AUSTRALIA
AUS 1-0 CAN
The Canadians look a little shell shocked. Australia holding their own and piling on the pressure.
Canada yet to really test the Aussie defence, had a few set piece opportunities but nothing of note has come from any of it. Crowd definitely playing their role as 12th woman tonight.
ELSEWHERE
Ireland v Nigeria remains 0-0 and they started at the same time.
So as things stand the Matildas are top of the group with Nigeria second.
In an ideal world, Ireland putting two past Nigeria would be grand.
Stay this way please... pic.twitter.com/Z757vt6dz2
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) July 31, 2023
10” GOAL!!!! BUT THEN NOT A GOAL...THEN A GOAL!!!
A stunning bit of play there from Catley on the wing, almost took too long with the cross but she delivered a pearler to Raso who was unmarked in the area. She took her time and struck to perfection - and up went the flag.
The decision was sent to VAR which overturned the flag. GOAL IS CLEAN.
GOD BLESS VAR
Moments later.....What a save. Raso is inches from making it two as Sheridan dives sharply to her left to deny the Aussie winger. Again it was Catley who was the architect darting in from the left.
5” AUS 0-0 CAN
A subdued start from the Matildas, not terrible but by no means does it scream “we’re here to make a statement”.
Canada an imposing team - particularly in defence and it’s on show early with Australia struggling to even find an option on a throw in.
Some sloppy releases of possession. Nervous tension and nervous energy. Players needing to settle into the magnitude of what they’re doing.
7:53PM THEY ALL COME CRAWLING BACK
I guess Tahiti isn’t all it’s cracked up to be eh? FIFA President Gianni Infantino is back in Australia and has made the trip to AAMI Park to watch the Matildas clash and he’s sat alongside Aussie legend Tim Cahill.
I’d say it’s nice to have you back but it’s not really. If you can’t afford the women’s game the same respect as the men’s then don’t bother coming.
On with the football.
IMAGE THAT SPARKED CONSPIRACY THEORY ON KERR
Sam Kerr will be looking to play the ‘game changer’ role against Canada with the Matildas captain named to the bench for Australia’s must-win final pool match.
Tony Gustavsson gave little indication of what role his star striker would play in the match’s lead up and it seems Canada will still be left answerless to the question until Kerr enters the game.
That is if she enters the game.
As the Matildas took to the field for the warm up, Kerr didn’t get beyond a walk and took no part in running with her teammates.
Optus Sport football expert Tanya Oxtoby said on Sam Kerr: “If you are not planning to use her in the first half and are worried about loading then she may not do the main warm up and come out and warm up in the second half.... It’s a concern.”
Conspiracy theorists were quick to assume that taking no part in the warm-up was a sure fire sign that Kerr would play no role in the do-or-die clash.
Sam Kerr is NOT warming up âŒ
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 31, 2023
She has her boots on but is not with the rest of the team.
Watch pre-game LIVE | https://t.co/zkrZdKDkdA@schwarzer_mark@CLogarzo#AUS#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/kTeiYdz3n6
Sam Kerr is not warming up with the team. That seems to suggest she will not play tonight. #CANAUS
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) July 31, 2023
Lot of vocal enthusiasm through the warm up.
— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) July 31, 2023
Sam Kerr not warming up with group.
Not unusual, no point warming up given her role at best is off the bench in the second half. pic.twitter.com/P1OMUOwtke
7:45PM A GENIUS MOVE
It’s a thumbs up from John Aloisi on the Matildas selection from the former Socceroo and Western United coach.
“That is brilliant change to me,” he said n Channel 7. “Fowler is more of a 9 than Caitlin Foord. Caitlin Foord going out wide, combining with Steph Catley, they play for us at club level. They understand each other’s games.
“Caitlin Foord is sensational 1 v 1. If she gets isolated 1 v 1 she will beat her player every day of the week and then she will set up the players further up the field. Mary Fowler has the quality that can finish off those chances.”
7:27PM WHO ELSE IS IN/OUT?
Australia had 28 attempts on goal, with 8 on target, against Nigeria last Thursday, with Caitlin Foord struggling as the Matildas’ sole option for deliveries into the 18-yard-box.
It’s something they cannot afford to repeat against a more clinical Canada, where opportunities are likely to be far less frequent.
Gustavsson has recalled Mary Fowler to his starting line up after she was cleared to play following a concussion in training.
Both she and Emily van Egmond will start for the Matildas, with speedster Cortnee Vine dropped to the bench after the flankers was effectively played out of the match up with Nigeria, with the African nation comfortably matching her pace.
It’s a sign Australia will be looking to play more through the middle of the field and look to Fowler for creative entries into the final third, to find Foord, Raso and van Egmond in the box.
As for the pressure on the entire Matildas team, former Matilda Heather Garriock said: “It’s backs against the wall.
“We know what it’s like. I spoke to some players this morning that said they are not coming off this pitch without a win.”
Do. Or. Die. âš”ï¸
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
Here's our XI in Melbourne tonight. #Matildas#FIFAWWC#TilitsDonepic.twitter.com/14TAHOgha6
7:15PM WHAT DO WE GET TONIGHT?
Let’s not sugar-coat this, the Matildas don’t just need a win tonight they actually need to play some half decent football.
Excuses and injuries aside, you’re at the World Cup, they have not played good football thus far.
Sam Kerr on the field or not each and everyone of them would be hard pressed to say they’d had a tournament they can be proud of.
Might sound brutal but it’s true.
My expectations of Kerr tonight would be minimal. Smart to start her on the bench. If needed being her on in the 60-65th minute and see what impact she can have but not at the expense of Fowler.
Rewind two weeks to the Matilda’s warm-up match against France and they actually played better without Kerr on the field.
The upside of the Chelsea star being there? Of course she’s one of the best in the world, she can turn a match on its head, the downside? People become too reliant.
Also observe how most sides with double mark Kerr out of play. An Advantage IF you can make the most of the free player - I’m yet to see the Matildas do this.
Tonight won’t be easy and Canada are a force to be reckoned with - they showed that in Tokyo but you could also argue their team have yet to send much of a warning this tournament.
ENORMOUS RESULTS
Elsewhere in the FIFA World Cup there’s some interesting results.
Japan finish top of Group C with an incredible performance beating Spain 4-0, while Zambia upset Costa Rica in a 3-1 win.
It means Japan now face Norway in the knockout stage
WHAT WE NEED:
Co-hosts Australia have to beat Canada or risk an unthinkable exit from the Women’s World Cup in the first round, while former champions Japan take on Spain with top spot in their group on the line.
Australia are sweating on the fitness of star forward and captain Sam Kerr for the Group B game against Canada in Melbourne where only a win will guarantee them a place in the last 16.
Kerr has missed the Matildas’ two matches so far, in which they beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 but then suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat against Nigeria.
She has declared herself available after a calf injury but it is uncertain how much of a part she will play against the Olympic champions.
We will get the final teams at 6:40pm AEST.
“Everyone involved in sport knows that with calf injuries it’s one thing that you’re available, but there’s also risk when you come back from a muscle injury,” said Australia coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of the game.
Australia are a point behind both Canada and Nigeria, and a draw could only be enough for the co-hosts to go through should the Nigerians lose to Ireland in Brisbane at the same time.
Otherwise they will have to win to avoid suffering the same fate as New Zealand and being eliminated from their home World Cup in the first round.
A draw will do for Canada, whose coach Bev Priestman was not focusing on Kerr’s fitness.
“We’ve spoken about what it takes to beat Australia because Australia is not just Sam Kerr,” she said.
After stunning Australia in their last game, Nigeria’s Super Falcons need just a point against the already-eliminated Irish to go through to the knockout phase.
Before those games, the finale to Group C sees already-qualified Japan and Spain battle it out for top spot in Wellington (0700 GMT).
Spain, featuring Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, lead the group on goal difference from the 2011 World Cup winners, meaning Japan need to win to finish top.
Whoever tops Group C will stay in Wellington for a last-16 tie on Saturday against Norway, while the runners-up will head north to Auckland to face Switzerland the same day.
- Colombia stun Germany -
The Swiss secured first place in Group A on Sunday with a 0-0 draw against New Zealand as the co-hosts were eliminated on goal difference by Norway, who hammered the Philippines 6-0.
Many of the New Zealand players were distraught at the end.
“There are a lot of tears out there, but they should be so proud to finish on four points,” captain Ali Riley said.
A 97th-minute header from Manuela Vanegas gave Colombia a stunning 2-1 win over Germany in Sydney in Group H.
Germany smashed Morocco 6-0 in their opener to underline why they were among the pre-tournament favourites, along with Spain and England, to snatch the crown from holders the United States.
But they came crashing back down to earth at the hands of a Colombia side inspired by 18-year-old Linda Caicedo and roared on by the majority of a rowdy 40,000 crowd.
Caicedo scored a brilliant opener to put Colombia ahead, but Germany thought they had salvaged a point in the 89th minute when skipper Alexandra Popp levelled from the penalty spot.
However, Vanegas popped up to head home from close range and put Colombia on the verge of the last 16.
“Germany is a world power, that’s a reality, but Colombia has been making great strides and today Colombia is a world power,” said the defender Vanegas.
“I dreamt of scoring a goal in a World Cup, I knew it was going to come and I decided to do it for today’s game.” Morocco won a Women’s World Cup match for the first time after Ibtissam Jraidi struck early to give them a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Going into the last round of group matches, Colombia are top of Group H on six points, Germany and Morocco have three and South Korea have zero.
Originally published as Matildas v Canada: Australia reach the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after a 4-0 win
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