July 31 – Australia’s Women’s World Cup came back to life with a 4-0 win to end Olympic champions Canada’s progress to the knockout rounds and dispel any lingering doubts about the host nation’s team.
Following defeat to Nigeria, the Matildas’ World Cup dreams hung in the balance in Group B, but on a feverish night in Melbourne, the Australians, with their famous never-die mentality, rallied to dispatch Canada in style, ensure their spot in the last sixteen and show they are more than Sam Kerr.
“We played Olympic champions in a do-or-die game with our skipper, one of the best forwards in the world – in my opinion the best forward in the world – on the bench and we win 4-0. That says a lot about the belief in this team,” said Australia coach Tony Gustavsson.
Captain Kerr watched on from the bench with a calf injury as Hayley Ruso scored twice in the first half to set the co-hosts on their way. Emerging star Mary Fowler added a third in the 58th minute before hometown hero Steph Catley wrapped up the victory from the penalty spot.
With the four goals, the Australians rejuvenated their campaign, having come into the tournament as one of the favourites before sliding perilously close to a very early exit. For the first time, the Matildas demonstrated direction, intent and purpose in the tournament after hesitant and clunky performances against both Ireland and Nigeria.
“I think it represents so much more of what the Matildas stand for and what they want to do in terms of inspiring and uniting people,” said Gustavsson. “Everything from connecting with former Matildas alumni with their ‘never say die’ attitude to the fans that back them up and believed in the team, even though there was a lot of question and criticism after the last game.
”Someone asked about this being a crossroad moment or a defining moment for me or the team […] this team have proven time after time with that ‘never say die’ attitude that they can come in big when it’s needed most.”
At half-time, Canada introduced four substitutions, but it helped little. The Olympic champions never really got into the match and depart the tournament via the back door. It is the first time since 2011 that they haven’t made it out of the group stage.
“When we went into Tokyo I’m not sure anybody thought we would win an Olympic gold medal,” said Canada coach Brev Priestman. “I did. The team did. But I’m not sure anybody (else) did. You’re coming into a very difficult group (B at the World Cup). There’s pressure. And you’ve got that target on your back. That’s new territory. And I think that’s the difference … it’s belief and pressure for me.”
The Australians finish top of Group B, with Nigeria clinching the second spot after a goalless draw with the Irish and their progress will be a relief to FIFA and organisers after co-hosts New Zealand crashed out of the tournament on Sunday, following a goalless draw with Switzerland.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the 27,706 in the stands. Infantino had left the Women’s World Cup to tour the Pacific and it was the first match of the finals he has attended in Australia.
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