Football News: Hayley Raso scored twice in the first half and Mary Fowler scored after the break as Australia crushed Canada 4-0 on Monday (07/31) to advance to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup.
Australia know they need three points from the match to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2023 Women's World Cup after their shock 3-2 defeat to Nigeria.
In front of a roaring crowd at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Raso scored in the ninth minute with a low right-footed shot and doubled it in the 39th minute.
Fowler sealed the win with a 58th-minute goal, before stand-in captain Steph Catley scored a penalty in injury time. The final score was a 4–0 victory for the hosts.
“It means a lot to us,” Raso told Channel 7. “I’m so proud of these girls.
“We were pressed after the last game and we knew we had to come out and put in a good performance. We kept our mouths shut and gave it our all tonight.”
Canada, who needed a draw to advance to the round of 16, was ultimately eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 2011.
Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan explained Canada's heartbreak as she cried before Catley's penalty.
“Football can be cruel sometimes,” Canada coach Bev Priestman told reporters.
“I think the team lacks confidence. I don't think the team will be as up and down as we saw tonight.”
Article keywords: Women's World Cup, Australia, Canada
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