Matildas keep World Cup dreams alive with stunning victory over Canada

In a spectacular on-field display, the Matildas have secured a triumphant 4-0 victory over Olympic champions, Canada, breathing new life into their World Cup hopes.

In front of a packed crowd at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday, July 31, the Australians delivered a stellar performance to not only move to round 16 but also top their group for the first time in World Cup history.

FT | Job Done ✅#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/mHBdtj54Dc

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023

The win follows their recent defeat at the hands of Nigeria and without captain Sam Kerr, who remained on the bench after being given an extra week to recover from a calf injury. 

From the very start of the match, it was clear that the Matildas meant business with Hayley Raso notching an impressive first-half brace, while Mary Fowler added her name to the scoresheet in the 58th minute.

The atmosphere inside the stadium reached a fever pitch when Steph Catley calmly converted a penalty in the second half, putting the finishing touch on a sensational victory that sent the crowd into a wild frenzy of celebration.

Following the victory, Cately told reporters that the team “was out there to do everything they could to win at all costs”.

“It was a mature performance, to be honest. They had a lot of the ball. They’re an incredible team. They defend well, they keep the ball, they create chances,” she said.

“So the way we defended together and the way that we countered that was mature.

“At times in the past, we’ve let moments like that get the better of us and I think it shows we’ve come a long way and we’re ready for a tournament like this.”

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said he “never, ever doubted the players in terms of stepping up and performing well”.

“We knew it was going to be tough but I knew the performance was going to be solid,” he said.

As the full-time whistle sounded, Aussies fans were quick to celebrate the momentous victory and praise the Matildas for their “amazing effort”.

FT | Job Done ✅#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/mHBdtj54Dc

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023

You absolute deadset legends!!! Incredible stuff, Tillies!!!

— Anna Vidot (@AnnaVidot) July 31, 2023

Congrats Matildas! Well played! ???????? ❤️ ???? ????

— Linny Kimly Phuong (@DrLinnyKP) July 31, 2023

Amazing effort – great game – well done #Matildas !!

— Hero (@hierohero1) July 31, 2023

Biggest ever victory for the Matilda’s in a World Cup!!! Absolutely brilliant football! Let’s go ????????

— Rosalita (@rosie4short) July 31, 2023

What a great performance with the biggest ever win at the World Cup and against the Olympic Winners. Congratulations for progressing to the Round of 16. Let’s go Matildas! 🙂 🙂 #FIFAWWC

— Alex Sar #DonTheSash (@alexmatthewsar) July 31, 2023

The Matildas will next face off against the second-place team in Group D, most likely Denmark or China, in Brisbane on Monday, August 7.