Matildas pull off huge victory to save World Cup campaign

afr.com:

The Matildas have hauled themselves off the canvas to thump Canada 4-0 and reach the Women’s World Cup round of 16.

Hayley Raso scored a first-half brace to give Australia the upper hand with emerging star Mary Fowler adding a third in the 58th minute.

Hometown hero Steph Catley buried a penalty to seal a famous victory in front of 27,706 fans at AAMI Park and top spot in Group B.

Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a magnificent save in the 67th minute to maintain a clean sheet.

The Matildas, with skipper Sam Kerr watching from the bench, needed to win to avoid an embarrassing group stage exit without relying on Ireland to beat Nigeria.

They will instead finish top of group B with six points, after Nigeria drew 0-0 with Ireland in the other game to claim second and knock Canada out.

Shifted to the left wing, with Fowler returning from concussion, Caitlin Foord starred all night and combined brilliantly with vice-captain Steph Catley.

Right-back Ellie Carpenter was relentless while Emily van Egmond, who held her spot ahead of Cortnee Vine, justified her selection with a cool-headed performance in Australia’s front two.

Centre-backs Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy were calm-headed while Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry were busy all night in midfield.

Australia players applaud fans after the team’s 4-0 victory. Getty

Australia were far more patient on the ball than in their 3-2 loss to Nigeria that had put their campaign on a knife’s edge and it paid off for their first goal.

Raso got things started when she finished off a blistering end-to-end move in the ninth minute.

Carpenter sent a Canada long ball back to Arnold.

The goalkeeper controlled it well then fizzed a wonderful pass out to Caitlin Foord, who charged forward and