The Matildas pulled off a comprehensive victory over Olympic champions Canada on Monday night, with an impressive score of 4-0 to top Group B and secure their place in the next stage of the Women’s World Cup.
In the absence of Sam Kerr, who sat on the bench the entire night, it was Hayley Raso who rose up as star of the game, scoring two goals in the first half. Mary Fowler scored another, and captain Steph Catley claimed the fourth.
The Matildas’ performance against Canada was a significant improvement to their form last week against Nigeria, with Catilin Foord and Cately playing brilliantly together on the left side. Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross were also excellent in the midfield.
Even without Sam Kerr, the usual star of the team, the Matildas were able to rise to the occasion and guarantee their spot in the next knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.
After the match, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson – who had copped flak in recent days for some decisions made during the loss against Nigeria – said he never doubted the Matildas would win against Canada.
He also revealed that injured captain Sam Kerr had never intended to play the match (despite indicating the media that she was available to play) and that she had asked her team to get the job done without her so she could have another 7 days to get her hamstring ready.
“Part of the reason why I also think that it was so united and performed the way that they did was Sam said to the team, ‘Make sure you win without me, so that I can get another week to train and recover and get healthy’,” Gustavsson said.
“And the team responded and said, ‘Yes we will. You sit on the bench tonight, and we’ll win for you’.”
“If we would have been in a situation where we would have needed her, she was willing to take that risk and come on. But she was also very clear (by saying) ‘let’s not get to that point’ and we didn’t, so we were all very happy about that.”
Asked if he was relieved at the Matildas’ win, Gustavssion said: “I think it is the wrong word.”
“I’m proud. I had happy tears for the girls and fans. They deserved this. The way they united with the fans. This is more than football.”
“It is bigger than 90 minutes football tonight. Then I have to be boring and stay humble because now we only got out of the Group stage. Now we need to recover.”