Match Report
The Matildas have finished top of Group B after a remarkable 4-0 victory over Olympic Champions Canada. A first-half Hayley Raso brace helped Melbourne Rectangular Stadium dare the dream, and the win was sealed with goals to Mary Fowler and Steph Catley in the second half.
Emily van Egmond retained her place in the starting line-up as one of the two central strikers after scoring against Nigeria. Mary Fowler came into the team beside her, replacing Cortnee Vine. While it still looked like a 4-4-2, both in out of possession it looked more like a 4-2-4 – with Caitlin Foord on the left and Hayley Raso on the right pressing as high as van Egmond and Fowler in the middle.
The Matildas got off to the best possible start. Steph Catley found space on the left with an overlapping run, and whipped in a cross. It deflected away from its intended target in Emily van Egmond but found Raso at the back post. The winger took one touch and finished brilliantly. After the run of Catley was initially ruled offside, a VAR review determined that the goal should stand, and Melbourne was sent into raptures.
The 28-year-old came close to doubling the Matildas lead less than five minutes later after another Catley cross. For a moment, it looked in. It required a wonderful save from Kailen Sheridan low to her right to prevent the goal.
