AAP Soccer

Snapshot of the Matildas' vital WWC win over Canada

By AAP Newswire

Jul 31, 2023

Australia celebrate a goal against Canada. — Hayley Raso was player of the match with two goals in Australia's 4-0 win over Canada in Melbourne. -AAP Image

SNAPSHOT OF AUSTRALIA'S WORLD CUP GAME AGAINST CANADA

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* Result: Australia 4 defeated Canada 0 in front of 27,706 at AAMI Park, Melbourne

* Key moment: Hayley Raso's first goal gave the Matildas the upper hand but her second - bundled home minutes after Mary Fowler had a close-range strike ruled out on review - put them in full control before half-time.

* Player of the match: It's difficult to go past Raso after the hard-running winger scored a crucial first-half brace and caused Canada's defence problems for 74 minutes before being given a well-earned rest, replaced by substitute Cortnee Vine.

* Stat that matters: The four-goal margin marked Australia's biggest-ever win at a World Cup, surpassing 4-1 victories over Ghana in 2007 and Jamaica in 2019.

* Quote: "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" - Australia coach Tony Gustavsson on Optus Sport.

* What's next: After teetering on the brink of elimination, the Matildas have advanced to the round of 16 where they will face the second-placed team from Group D. Olympic champions Canada are heading home.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press