Thrilling Takedown: Australia Crushes Canada 4-0, Secures World Cup Advancement
Australia's dominant 4-0 victory against Canada propels them into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup Hayley Raso's brace and Mary Fowler's goal seal their triumph, eliminating the Olympic champions from the tournament
Australia dominated the match against Canada, with Hayley Raso scoring two goals in the first half and Mary Fowler adding another in the second half. This impressive performance secured Australia a spot in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup and eliminated the Olympic champions from the tournament. The goals were celebrated by the passionate crowd at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, while captain Sam Kerr watched from the sidelines.
Fowler sealed the victory in the 58th minute with a skillful finish that ricocheted off the right post, while Steph Catley calmly converted a penalty in stoppage time. The co-hosts' progress was met with jubilation as a relieved nation celebrated. Unfortunately, Canada exited the group stage, a first since 2011, leaving behind a sense of disappointment as they only required a draw to move forward.
Kerr didn't have to be Australia's hero, so she can now take a week off to recover from her injured calf. The next match in the last 16, most likely against Denmark, is when she will be needed again. Australia finished at the top of Group B with six points, just one ahead of Nigeria, who also made it through with a 0-0 draw against Ireland.
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Christine Sinclair, Canada's revered team captain, took to the field at the beginning of her sixth and ultimate World Cup appearance. However, her journey came to a disappointing halt during half-time as coach Bev Priestman made numerous substitutions.
After suffering a 3-2 surprise defeat to Nigeria, Australia found themselves in a tense situation during the tournament. However, they displayed great determination and were immediately rewarded when Catley's cross reached Raso in the penalty area. Showing remarkable accuracy, Raso skillfully drilled a low shot past the goalkeeper and into the far post, securing Australia's lead. Despite an offside flag initially being raised, the goal was ultimately confirmed by VAR, sparking immense excitement among the crowd.
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They almost made it 2-0 minutes later, but Raso's shot was well saved by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
In the 34th minute, Fowler charged into the box and powerfully struck the ball from a short distance, while Raso delivered the cross. However, VAR stepped in once more and disallowed the goal due to offside, resulting in a massive wave of boos from the home supporters.
It scarcely mattered as five minutes later, Raso was celebrating her second strike after Sheridan failed to clear the ball from a set-piece.
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Priestman made halftime modifications as Sophie Schmidt retired and, in the 56th minute, launched a shot over the bar. However, a few moments later, an Australian attack concluded with Fowler neatly putting in a cross from Caitlin Foord to extend their lead.
What is the schedule?
The tournament's kickoff has initiated with the commencement of the group stage, spanning two weeks and concluding on August 3. Teams that secure victory in their respective groups along with the runners-up will advance to the round of 16, scheduled to take place from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals are set to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. Following the quarter-finals, the first semi-final will be held on August 15 in Auckland, while the second semi-final will occur on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The Accor Stadium will also be the venue for the final match on August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
