2023 Women’s World Cup: Australia 4-0 Canada: Co-hosts knock out Olympic champions
Australia dished out a thrashing to Olympic champions Canada as they advance out of the group stage and into the last-16.
Hayley Raso scored twice, Mary Fowler was also on target and Steph Catley netted a late penalty as the co-hosts impressed in a game they had to win to avoid elimination.
The Matildas finished top of Group B – and did so without Sam Kerr, an unused sub despite declaring herself fit.
Canada suffered their first Women’s World Cup group-stage exit since 2011.
Nigeria’s draw with the Republic of Ireland means Australia will go forward to face the runners-up in Group D – who could still be England – at Stadium Australia in Sydney on 7 August.
Australia in perfect form despite no Kerr
Australia faced one of the most nerve-wracking build-ups possible at the World Cup. They were on the brink of a humiliating early exit, and there were major concerns about their captain, Sam Kerr’s fitness, adding to the pressure.
Kerr, who had missed the first two games due to a calf injury, was named on the bench but didn’t take part in the warm-ups.
But when the game kicked off, it was the 11 determined women on the field who took charge, deciding the fate of their World Cup journey. With a roaring near-capacity crowd at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium backing them, Australia showed their intensity right from the start, outpacing and outplaying Canada.
The excitement in the stands reached new heights when Catley’s low cross found Raso in the area, and she expertly controlled the ball before firing it into the bottom corner, giving Australia the lead.
The crowd erupted in celebration when Fowler seemed to double the lead, but their joy was short-lived as an offside decision, following a lengthy VAR review, cancelled out the goal.
However, Australia didn’t let that deter them. Shortly before half-time, Raso found the net again after another scramble, and this time, there was no doubt as the game resumed.
The party atmosphere soared when, just before the hour mark, Caitlin Foord set up Fowler for a close-range goal off the post. And the celebration continued when Catley confidently converted a penalty, awarded after Jessie Fleming fouled Katrina Gorry.
With this resounding victory, Australia now has the chance to give their fans, even more, to cheer for at the World Cup. Whether Kerr is back in action or not, the hosts are determined to keep the party going and make their mark on the tournament.
Olympic Champions Canada out
Group B was filled with top teams – but many expected Canada and Australia would be the teams going into the Round of 16. Instead, Canada is out and Nigeria are through.
Canada couldn’t match the fired-up Aussies’ intensity. They struggled to make meaningful chances with their best opportunity thwarted when Deanne Rose’s shot was saved by the determined Mackenzie Arnold in the second half.
This early exit means that Christine Sinclair couldn’t make history by becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup has been full of surprises and upsets, with big teams beating lower-ranked teams, red cards and penalties.
We expect the tournament to just continue getting better and better and fingers crossed the co-hosts can continue to go deep in the competition.
