Australia dominated Canada 4-0 in Group B on Monday night, securing a spot in the last 16 at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Hayley Raso's first-half brace set the stage for the co-hosts to secure a crucial victory. The Matildas, with three points from two matches, needed to defeat the reigning Olympic champions to ensure their survival in the group.
Mary Fowler found the net after the interval, and Steph Catley converted a late penalty, sealing the 4-0 win. The victory propelled Australia to the top of Group B with six points.
Tokyo Olympic champions Canada experienced their first group-stage exit at the World Cup since 2011.
Nigeria, undefeated with five points in Group B, claimed the other ticket to the last 16 after a goalless draw with Ireland on Monday night.
In the knockout stage, Australia will face the runners-up of Group D, and Nigeria will play the group winners.
England, the tournament favorites, will take on China, and Denmark will meet Haiti on Tuesday night in their last group matches.
"In the press conference yesterday someone asked, 'is this a legacy-defining moment for the team, is this a crossroads moment?' Yes, it was, but we didn't shy away from it," said Australia coach Tony Gustavsson.
Sam Kerr, Australia's star forward, declared herself fit to play on Saturday, 10 days after a calf injury. However, she remained an unused substitute on Monday.
Canada, ranked No. 7 in the world, ended their campaign with four points.
"Reality is setting in that this is the end of our World Cup road," said Beverly Priestman, Canada's coach. "Australia were the better team tonight. I've got no criticism of my players. On the night, football's cruel, it wasn't our night, that's it."
The 2023 Women's World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, will see only the top two teams from each of the eight groups advance to the round of 16.
READ ALSO:
1672397318_680.jpg)
