Manchester City’s Fowler and Arsenal’s Catley on target as Australia qualify for knockouts

Australia emphatically booked their place in the last-16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Canada earlier today.

The win at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium sealed top spot in Group B for The CommBank Matildas.

Australia opened the scoring through Hayley Raso in the ninth minute. The Real Madrid winger found the bottom corner of the net from Steph Catley’s cross. The goal was reviewed for offside but was awarded by VAR shortly afterwards.

The CommBank Matildas then had a goal disallowed as Ellie Carpenter’s heels were ruled to be offside in the build-up to Mary Fowler’s conversion from close range.

Cheered on by a deafening home crowd, Australia found the back of the net again through Raso five minutes later. Kyra Cooney-Cross’ corner was parried by Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan but the ball was slotted comfortably home by a waiting Raso at the back post.

Australia continued to find joy down the left-hand side after the break, despite Canada making four substitutes at half-time. Caitlin Foord drove forward in the 57th minute and picked out an unmarked Fowler on the edge of the six yard box, who tapped the ball home for a third goal.

Needing just a point from the fixture to progress, Canada’s chances on goal were few and far between. Their best effort came from Deanne Rose in the 66th minute, the forward forcing Mackenzie Arnold into a save at full-stretch.

Australia added a fourth goal when Catley converted from the penalty spot in injury time following a foul by Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming on Katrina Gorry.

Australia advance to the last-16 as group winners while Nigeria claim the runners-up spot. Canada and the Republic of Ireland go home.

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Ronnie Hendra

I am a content creator for FAWSL Full-Time. I am working with the team to produce FIFA Women’s World Cup, Barclays Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship content.

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