Summary
You’ve heard enough from me for one night. It’s time for the match report, analysis, player ratings, and oodles more fall-out besides. Thank you for joining me for a banner night for Australian football. Here’s for more to come this World Cup.
The result, the performance, the atmosphere, the occasion Australia and this World Cup craved. Colombia Sunday, the Matildas Monday, this tournament is coming to the boil nicely.
Scenes 😍#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/LfvPsOMJ9w
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
Four hours ago, Robert Moylan was all doom and gloom. His latest email is headlined: “I was wrong”.
“Nobody could have predicted a result like this against the Olympic champions. Who’d have thunk it after the Nigeria debacle? The Matildas stepped up big time and truly looked Ike a contender. Where has this offence been? As I said before, you and the readers can have at me for my skepticism. But happy for everyone who hoped for another opportunity in the knockout round. Well done, ladies.” Chapeau Bob.
“I think the Football God’s decided that they wanted Sam Kerr to show the world one more time why she is one of the most amazing natural goalscorers in Football history, male or female. Stars have to shine,” emails Mary Waltz.
Kerr did not look anywhere near fit tonight, despite lacing up her boots, but she gets another week to rest her calf, so who knows, maybe a cameo off the bench against Denmark isn’t off the cards?
“I honestly don’t think that the 4-0 scoreline flattered the Matildas,” emails HarryofOz. I agree. Such a powerful, energetic, skilful performance from back to front. Canada never had a sniff.
There wasn’t a poor performance among the Australians tonight. Arnold was alert in goal, the defence was unruffled, the midfield was immense, and the combination of Foord, Fowler and Raso up front compensated for the absence of Sam Kerr.
Credit to Tony Gustavsson for getting his team up after a difficult fortnight, and tactically rejigging his system, replacing the direct balls with controlled possession in the final third.
The Matildas began the night facing a group stage exit. They end it on top of Group B and set for a round of 16 clash in Sydney this time next week, most likely against Denmark.
Canada – Olympic gold medallists and ranked seven in the world – go home. Nigeria take second spot in the group and progress to a second round clash in Brisbane, most likely with England.
Full-time: Canada 0-4 Australia
The Matildas survive! Australia’s World Cup finally comes alive.
90+7 mins: No sooner is she on than Grant looks unsteady on her feet following a collision with Buchanan.
90+6 mins: Gorry finally leaves the field after yet another magnificent performance. She has become the heartbeat of this Australian side. In her place comes Charlotte Grant for a taste of World Cup action.
90+5 mins: What a night for the Matildas. Backs to the wall, chips down, do or die, etc etc and they have risen to the occasion in quite the fashion.
GOAL! Canada 0-4 Australia (Catley, 90+4)
Australia’s stand-in skipper scores her second penalty of the tournament, curling a left-footed effort wide of Sheridan’s dive. The Matildas are into the round of 16.
PENALTY AUSTRALIA
VAR back in the action, and replays prove Gorry was clattered into by Fleming’s clumsy challenge centimetres inside the box.
90+3 mins: Make that full-time. Nigeria through in second place as things stand, set for a likely date with England in the round of 16.
90+2 mins: Still 0-0 in the other game, deep into injury time.
90+1 mins: Eight minutes of time added on.
90 mins: Cooney-Cross delivers with her right foot but Sheridan punches clear. Cooney-Cross again, this time with her left foot, but another dangerous cross skims off heads and out the other side.
89 mins: Viens smashes one with violence from the corner of the box. It’s probably fading wide but Arnold is taking no chances and fingertips it behind for a corner. The Matildas neutralise the danger and hustle down the other end with Vine’s persistence earning a corner for the hosts.
88 mins: Buchanan was lucky to escape that tussle, and she is again as she tangles with Foord in the box. Frappart was on the spot and saw no indiscretion.
87 mins: Cooney-Cross, what a shift! From the base of midfield she bursts forward and almost robs Buchanan in Canada’s defence with only the goalkeeper to beat thereafter.
86 mins: Canada are, belatedly, starting to apply some pressure, but Australia have plenty of bodies around the hopeful balls into the box, and they remain alert to the second efforts. On the bench, the unused Sam Kerr removes the strapping around her calf. Kerr-calf-watch will continue for a few more days.
84 mins: Second substitution for Australia with Van Egmond – who played very well – being replaced by the experienced Clare Polkinghorne. That will mean Australia revert to a 5-2-3 with a third central defender now on the field.
83 mins: I might have to take back my criticism of Fowler, she has grown into this game and not for the first time in recent minutes slaloms gracefully beyond a couple of Canadians through the lines. Although it’s someone else who’s caught Ian Wright’s eye. Wrighty is in the stands, by the way.
Cooney-Cross bro 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) July 31, 2023
82 mins: Canada are not giving up, but they have yet to mount any consistent pressure in their chase for a goal. Speaking of goals, Mackenzie Arnold, in Australia’s, is booked for time-wasting over a goal kick.
80 mins: FOWLER HITS THE POST! Gorry dances her way into the box from the right but instead of pulling the trigger tries to play the ball across the six yard box. The ball ricochets out to Fowler who hammers a crisp left-footed worm-burner that cannons back off the post.
78 mins: Thanks Canada:
SUBSTITUTION 🔁
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
Olivia Smith replaces Quinn as our 6th and final substitution (Leon change was a head-injury sub).#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/36RYtDfMeJ
Mangificent Melbourne on a Monday 🤩 #Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/BTO6h438rL
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
77 mins: That mass of bodies competing for that header has resulted in Hunt being checked for concussion on-field. Off the field goes Quinn, for Canada, replaced by Smith. I make that six subs from Canada, so I’m not quite sure what’s going on.
Updated
76 mins: GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR CANADA. The long ball is heaved into the box, Hunt doesn’t make a great headed clearance and the ball falls to Schmidt who leathers a ball that’s deflected over the bar from seven metres out. The corner is well delivered but Australia clear the second ball after four players initially collide mid-air competing for the header.
74 mins: Gorry does finds a teammate with a similar pass, and it’s the tireless Foord who runs off Lawrence, cuts in from the left and curls a shot on goal that’s blocked away.
Time for an Australian substitute. And it’s the double-goalscorer Raso who makes way for Vine. This is a perfect opportunity for Australia to exploit the Sydney FC flyer’s pace on the break.
Updated
73 mins: Canada are getting increasingly desperate in search of a goal, but they don’t look like breaking down the aAtildas. And while they push, Canada are leaving space in behind that Fowler almost exploits – but she overhits her through-ball.
72 mins: It’s still 0-0 in the other match in Group B, so as things stand Australia will top the group.
71 mins: Foord does superbly to keep a hopeful ball in play. That allows Gorry time to settle the game down as Canada push players high up the field chasing one of three necessary goals.
69 mins: Van Egmond booked for time-wasting I think as Canada prepare a long punt forward from a free-kick.
“Bit harsh on Fowler,” emails Mike Ford. “Her job is to be in the right place at the right time. A few times she’s also held the ball up waiting for runs. She works hard off the ball if needed, and also has that great “Who me” celebration.” I did enjoy the celebration – but in general play she seems to be on a different wavelength to the rest of her team (to me).
Updated
68 mins: Canada’s resulting corner from the left doesn’t clear the first defender. Unforgivable.
66 mins: Gorry keeps on trucking, winning the ball in midfield and finding EVE. Van Egmond tries the no-look pass for Fowler, but the youngster wasn’t expecting it and the momentum ebbs away. Canada break and find Viens through the middle. She smartly draws two defenders and offloads to Rose steaming in from the right. She unleashes a fierce drive that Arnold repels at point-blank range. Excellent save low with her right boot.
Updated
64 mins: Leon’s night is done. On comes Evelyne Viens as Canada’s fifth and final substitute for the night. Canada now look to be reshuffling into a 3-4-3 formation, with Australia still in the 4-3-3 with the XI that has served them well so far.
63 mins: Leon, Canada’s brightest spark is down again after a challenge with Raso. The break allows Priestman the chance to bring her troops into a huddle and show them a whiteboard. Presumably it’s just a still of Ted Lasso tapping the “Believe” sign.
61 mins: Gorry goes down again in midfield. As hard as she is, maybe she doesn’t need to risk her fitness with the scoreline as it is and plenty of subs on the bench.
59 mins: I cannot see Canada coming back from this. Fowler has hardly done anything in this match and she has two goals to her name, from a sum total of about six metres from goal. My bad – that first effort was chalked off wasn’t it? Pesky VAR.
Updated
GOAL! Canada 0-3 Australia (Fowler, 58)
Catley releases her Arsenal teammate Foord down the left. She beats the offside trap to perfection, ghosts into the box, stands up two defenders and pulls the ball back from the byline for Fowler to shank over the line from 4 metres out. Brilliant counterattacking goal. Superb from Catley and Foord – and just enough from Fowler, despite the most awkward of finishes.
Updated
57 mins: Leon is again alert down the left chasing a hopeful ball and swinging over a cross. Australia don’t clear and it’s eventually rolled back by Fleming for Schmidt to pick her spot and sidefoot over the bar from the D.
55 mins: Canada threaten to get in behind with the ball over the top but Carpenter and Hunt outmuscle Leon, who hits the deck clutching her face.
Meanwhile, Neil Mercer has emailed in to say Australia were not awarded a free-kick in the first half, according to OPTA. “Have we ever seen a host nation go 45 mins without winning a free kick? That foul on Fowler was to most obvious appeal that was ignored… maybe Frappart is unhappy that the Matildas beat France in Melbourne recently?”
54 mins: The corner comes to nought but Australia retain possession on the right deep in Canada’s half. The Matildas have taken any sting out of the game since the resumption. It helps that they have Carpenter’s long throws to milk the clock and provide a decent option into the box.
Updated
53 mins: Lovely touch from Gorry in midfield to free Fowler. She takes her time and feeds Foord on the left. The cross is cleared, but only as far as Cooney-Cross who fizzes a thunderbastard that Sheridan has to leap and tip over the bar. That was a rocket!
51 mins: Australia’s first attack of the half is dangerous with Catley whipping over a dangerous low cross from the left, just out of reach of the diving Raso.
50 mins: Raf Kaplan has emailed in. “Four half-time substitutions! Well, the Canada manager clearly doesn’t want to hear the criticisms levelled at the Australian manager after the Nigeria game... Or maybe is the problem, that somebody told Canada this was a friendly?! I can’t remember the last time I saw four subs at half time outside a friendly or kids game.”
Somewhere in Rome, Jose Mourinho can be seen rubbing his palms together and nodding sagely.
49 mins: Gorry takes a little knock in the engine room. But she is nails and will not leave the field voluntarily. Instead, she takes a tactical topknot break, giving everyone a breather while she fiddles with bobby pins.
Updated
48 mins: Schmidt is in the action immediately on the left, and when the ball goes into the box Hunt’s clearance isn’t decisive but Australia force it away. Fowler then goes on a run to allow the Matildas to reset.
46 mins: Back underway in Melbourne.
Four changes for Canada at half-time! I bet that was a fun team-talk from Bev Priestman.
SUBSTITUTION 🔁
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
Sophie Schmidt is on for Julia Grosso.#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/0ONzOH2AG2
SUBSTITUTION 🔁
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
Cloé Lacasse replaces Christine Sinclair to start the 2nd half.#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/0eXg4sEmeb
SUBSTITUTION 🔁
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
Deanne Rose replaces Jordyn Huitema.#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/AgpaESAPhf
SUBSTITUTION 🔁
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
Allysha Chapman is on for Jayde Riviere.#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/mYWiAfCFqr
“Change of strip change of luck”. Has Steve Tonks just nailed it? Can someone send a message to the Wallabies before they take on the All Blacks in Dunedin on the weekend?
“I’m surprised that Canada seem to lack urgency. On the rare occasion they’ve upped their pace, there have been openings in the Australian defence, but the rest of the team hasn’t run into space. Admittedly, there’s plenty of time left.” I agree, Kári Tulinius, it’s all a bit too methodical at the moment without much invention.
“Our feed (TSN) hasn’t shown a lick of VAR footage on the 1st goal,” emails the returning Brian Cruickshank from Canada. “I’d accuse you, Jonathan, of subscribing to to the alternate reality theory had the Aussies not finally bagged the second. Sun’s up. Coffee good . Reality sucks.” Still 45 minutes to turn it around Brian, keep the faith.
Some quick offside chat:
@JPHowcroft Hi Jonathan, not sure the VAR officials fully understand the offside rule. The Matilda's 1st goal looked offside in the build up but was given. Carpenter was ahead of 2 Canadians but given offside for the ruled out 2nd goal... bizarre
— Dean Edwards (@deanedwards78) July 31, 2023
Both computer generated images indicated the correct decision was made. The first call wasn’t controversial on review, the second – much tighter – relies on Carpenter being considered both offside, and interfering with play. As my colleague Jack demonstrates here:
The end of football. pic.twitter.com/DuZnhVz7KQ
— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) July 31, 2023
Elsewhere in Group B, it’s 0-0 between Ireland and Nigeria. “I’m in Hanoi watching the MBM,” emails Nik Hartley. Local TV have Ireland v Nigeria. Not a bad game, but not the one I want. Just in case you are wondering, Ireland are dominating possession but don’t look likely to score.”
“There’s only one explanation for this sudden upsurge in energy and verve from The Matildas: Tony G’s wardrobe department have got his outfit spot on tonight and he is channelling his inner Axwell (of Swedish House Mafia-fame).” If you say so Chris Paraskevas. “Also helps that there appears to be a discernible attempt to... move the ball (along the floor, occasionally) and create shooting opportunities – groundbreaking stuff.”
Anyway, I’ll take the excuse for a half-time banger. Get your glo-sticks out while I freshen up.
Half-time: Canada 0-2 Australia
A dream half for Australia in Melbourne.
45+6 mins: And now another long ball sent into the right channel is allowed to drift out. Canada need some inspiration at half-time.
Meanwhile, word coming through that Gustavsson has been booked for something he’s said or done on the touchline. Perhaps the officials have finally cracked down on a boyband centre-part on a 49-year-old?
Updated
45+5 mins: Canada again pass among themselves in innocuous areas before sending a hopeful ball up the guts, only for Hunt to head clear.
Updated
45+4 mins: Strong challenge in midfield from Fowler forces the turnover. The ball is sent early crossfield by Gorry to Foord who skips into the box but can’t pick a target. Some of Australia’s ball movement tonight has been very sharp.
Updated
45+2 mins: Seven minutes of VAR time to be added on at the end of the half. Canada are back in their routine of shifting the ball along the back four looking for an outlet. They try Lawrence again, but Australia are quick on the draw, stepping out, robbing the forward and allowing Carpenter to gallop 50m down the right wing.
45 mins: Lawrence spins neatly on the left to buy Huitema time to pick out a target with her cross, but she clips it straight into the bread basket of the lesser spotted Mackenzie Arnold.
Updated
43 mins: Carpenter’s long throw from the right causes minor panic in Canada’s box after Foord gets her body in the way, but the Matildas can’t string their passes together to create an opening. Canada break quickly but they can’t beat Raso – defending in the left-back area!
42 mins: Australia are buzzing. Canada have a mountain to climb. Carpenter should free Raso down the right again but smashes her pass way too hard.
GOAL! Canada 0-2 Australia (Raso, 39)
Australia do have a second after all! After the resumption of play Catley wins a corner on the left. Cooney-Cross whips it over, Sheridan can’t get a punch to it over Kennedy, and after it pings off a Canadian defender it falls to Raso who cannot miss from near the goalline. Raso and the Matildas have two!
Updated
GOAL OVERTURNED!
Devastation for Australia! On review, the back heel of Ellie Carpenter was shown to be offside – and Carpenter was adjudged to be interfering with play, blocking the onrushing Buchanan when Fowler slammed home the finish. Very very marginal call.
Updated
36 mins: Hold on, Frappart has been invited to check the screen by the VAR…
Australia have two! Carpenter and Raso link well down the right to move the ball forward, thereafter it’s chaos. The centring ball is misplaced but Foord keeps it alive. Then it breaks for Raso whose cross-shot is parried by Sheridan and looks all set for Carpenter to tap home – but she slips! Fortunately Fowler is storming in at the nick of time to wallop a finish high and hard into the roof of the net. Delirium in Melbourne for the Matildas.
Updated
33 mins: Canada are increasingly struggling to find a release ball out of defence. Australia’s forwards are pressing effectively and the midfield is disciplined. Whenever the ball is in dispute an Australian looks the hungrier to claim it.
31 mins: Close for Canada! The corner from the right is canny, swinging out to the corner of the six-yard box where Grosso flicks out a boot to divert the ball across the face of goal, but not close enough to another red jersey to lead to a shot.
30 mins: Canada return to their sideways passing inside their own half. Australia remain unfazed. But they do concede a free-kick when Carpenter is adjudged to be too rough on Huitema over on the touchline. The set-piece is launched deep into the box and almost reaches Huitema at the far post but it skims off an Australian head and behind for a corner.
28 mins: Australia haven’t gone forward in a while but they look dangerous when they do. A quick break in the left channel earns a throw-in, from where van Egmond cushions a sumptuous angled through-ball for Foord to run on to. Unfortunately her cross is poor and claimed easily by Sheridan.
Updated
27 mins: It’s all going according to plan for Australia.
"Award the goal" pic.twitter.com/ZplPvjfvCe
— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) July 31, 2023
26 mins: The set-piece can’t beat Raso at the near post and Canada are soon back passing around their defence. This time Sheridan’s long ball finds touch and Australia can reset.
25 mins: Most of the play so far has been along Canada’s back four as they patiently look for the pass through the lines. Australia are doing a great job of covering the channels and tracking runners. Eventually Canada go long from Sheridan to the left – and it’s a lovely ball that Lawrence takes on the full to win a corner.
23 mins: Canada are growing into this contest nicely, moving the ball at speed, dragging Australia around probing for a gap. So far none have been forthcoming, but Leon looks lively when she gets on the ball, and Sinclair has the bit between her teeth.
22 mins: A long free-kick from deep finds Huitema at the far post but she can only glance her header wide.
21 mins:“Even here in Canada, where the sun is just coming up, it looked offside,” emails Brian Cruickshank. “We’ll wait for the pundits to chime in. I’ve got coffee to make.” It looked offside in real time, I agree, but the world feed has shown the computer animation based on all the reams of VAR data, and Catley on the left was being played on in the middle of the field. I’m not a fan of VAR, but that was a good demonstration of its application.
Updated
19 mins: Australia are playing a very structured game, Gorry directing traffic in midfield, shutting down passing lanes, forcing Canada to repeatedly return to their goalkeeper looking for an exit ball. To their credit, Canada are refusing to go long or panic. And they demonstrate why, eventually picking their way on the right, Leon and Sinclair dovetailing well again, but there’s a home boot ready to stab away the cross.
Updated
17 mins: Almost in spite of themselves Australia’s front three force an effective press as Canada try to switch play from right to left. Raso is just so quick and busy she can’t help herself. Canada don’t lose composure and come back out on the right where Leon looks bright, nipping in the right channel and curling over a dangerous cross that arcs just our of reach of Huitema at the far post.
15 mins: Canada get on the ball briefly, lobbing a cross from the left towards the penalty spot, but that woman Catley is there to head clear. She has been everywhere in these early exchanges.
Updated
13 mins: RASO ALMOST MAKES IT TWO! Catley again the provider, overlapping on the left, cutting inside, and another superb low centring ball finds Raso timing her run to perfection, firing off a controlled effort with her left foot that Sheridan does superbly to save on the line low to her left.
Updated
11 mins: Just what the Matildas needed. That Catley-Foord Arsenal partnership down the left worked wonders, and the new Real Madrid winger Raso did the rest. Over to Canada to play catch-up. Got to love tournament football.
Updated
GOAL! Canada 0-1 Australia (Raso, 10)
Cooney-Cross takes it, but it’s too high for Hunt’s initial header. The second ball is lobbed back into the mixer and Canada allow it to bounce before clearing. Australia come back hard through with Catley charging down the left, fed by Foord, and her square ball to the top of the box reaches Raso, who takes a touch and drills lows into the bottom left corner! Australia with the early lead! Or, maybe not. The Offside flag is up on the far side. But hang on, VAR is getting involved. GOAL!
Updated
9 mins: Foord does well to accept a throw-in at her feet on the byline and earn Australia’s first corner of the night.
8 mins: Van Egmond does a Gorry – winning the ball with strength, then failing to hit Raso with her pass. Canada rebound down the right and the cross to Leon looks destined for its target but Catley hacks clear. Canada have very quickly slowed the tempo down, trying to take the sting out of the game, and Australia are happy for them to do so, dropping into a much lower block that we saw against Ireland or Nigeria.
6 mins: Riviere with her first long throw from the right. It’s towards Sinclair but Australia win the second ball and clear. In a departure from the opening two matches the process for moving the ball downfield is structured, going through the feet of Gorry and van Egmond, rather than heading quickly for the vertical ball into the channels.
4 mins: Gorry does well to fight for possession in midfield but she can’t find Raso with the release. Australia are snapping into their challenges, as you’d expect, but Canada look composed in these early exchanges.
2 mins: Australia get their foot on the ball early but there’s a turnover in midfield that Sinclair and Leon use to drive towards the penalty area. The final ball is cut out by Carpenter and the Matildas clear.
Structurally, Fowler has moved into the central striker position with Foord moving out to the left to link up with Arsenal clubmate Catley.
Kick-off!
The biggest match of the World Cup so far is off and running.
Australia in blue, Canada in red, the refs in black. Here we go!
There’s allsorts in the crowd – blow up boxing kangaroos, cockatoo glove puppets, and enough face paint to resurface Bourke Street Mall.
As the anthems ring out, the TV cameras pick out a fair smattering of Canadian fans in the stands, as well as FIFA head honcho Gianni Infantino.
The two teams make the short walk up the MRS race and out into the crisp night air. Canada’s players line up, high-tenning one another, full of energy. The Matildas have their game faces on.
The stands are full, the floodlights are on, the players are lined up in the tunnel. Destiny awaits.
As kick-off approaches it’s time for the formalities, starting with Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin’s Welcome to Country.
Tactically, what do Australia need to do tonight? Glad you asked:
1. Don’t always look for the direct option over the top. Gustavsson has identified that in the speedy pair of Cortnee Vine and Hayley Raso in wide areas his team is likely to have an advantage when there is room in behind for balls clipped over the top. However, when that space isn’t there, Plan A becomes a very low-percentage option.
Canada will surely follow the lead of Ireland and Nigeria and defend deep, denying Australia the space they crave. To counter this, the Matildas need to be patient and play the ball around in front of the Canadian defence, picking their moment to time their killer passes with precision.
Over the 90 minutes, this is where the likes of Alex Chidiac, Emily van Egmond, and Mary Fowler come into their own. But for them to excel they will require Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, and Katrina Gorry behind them to keep their powder dry and only look for the long pass if it’s 100% on.
2. Cross better In Australia’s opening two matches players found themselves repeatedly in wide areas only to deliver crosses that were easy to defend. Caitlin Foord showed the way for her assist to Emily van Egmond against Nigeria, calmly picking a target and rolling the ball into the path of her teammate arriving at the penalty spot. Similarly, against France in the send-off match, Raso lifted her head and pulled the ball back for Fowler instead of blindly crossing to nobody in particular. This also applies to free-kicks and corners with the Matildas lacking variety in set-pieces so far this World Cup.
3. Be bold coming out of defence. Once the match settles down there’s every chance the pattern of play will feature Australia probing and Canada defending the space around the edge of their penalty area. If that proves to the case, Australia’s back four must back themselves to carry the ball into midfield and draw the Canadians out of their shape. It will be all too easy to ping hopeful diagonals, or invite Gorry or Cooney-Cross to accept possession on the halfway line, but the brave call will be for the likes of Kennedy and Hunt to advance into unfamiliar territory and allow the more creative players to receive the ball in more advanced positions. This is not without risk and players may be caught in possession or find themselves out of position in transition, but the longer the game wears on with Australia chasing a goal, the more necessary the approach becomes.
Updated
When Sam Kerr’s name is read out in the stadium it receives a huge cheer, but the Australian skipper is keeping her physical activity to a minimum while teammates warm up. I can’t see her doing much, if anything, tonight.
Excitement is building at the Fifa Fan Festival in Tumbalong Park, Sydney, where thousands of people have already gathered and picked their spots to watch the Matildas’ final group game.
There’s little sense of tension here, with fans buzzing around the viewing site, eating pizza, dancing along to the official entertainment and telling me they are confident the Matildas will win their group stage finale clash against the Canadians.
Sisters Alice and Myrtoxan Thakos tell me they are “pumped” for the match, and their faces, painted in green and gold, don’t betray them.
“I’m confident because we have to win this,” Alice says.
“All we can feel is confidence because this is it, its do-or-die, this is it. We’d be ecstatic if they win, absolutely over the moon.”
Alice and Myrtoxan Thakos are at the Fifa Fan Festival in Darling Harbour and say confidence is “all they can feel”. pic.twitter.com/VPd8Z5zjd0
— Mostafa Rachwani (@Rachwani91) July 31, 2023
Conditions are favourable in Victoria with a mild and sunny winter’s day giving way to a cool breezy evening. A crowd in the region of 30,000 will cram into a sold out Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for the kind of major event embedded in the city’s sense of self.
About that time ⏰#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/JGSCQLFJL3
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
The groundbreaking referee Stéphanie Frappart will lead an all-French team of officials this evening.
The other match in Group B is less consequential with Ireland already eliminated, and Nigeria all-but guaranteed passage to the knockout phase, but if you want to keep an eye on what’s happening in Brisbane, you can do so here:
Half an hour to go ⏰#TilitsDone #FIFAWWC #Matildas pic.twitter.com/otEwfJxCnC
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
Despite the success of the Canadian side on the field, these are troubled times for Canadian football off it. Problems range from poor governance and historic abuse…
… to a rift between players and administrators over pay.
Canada have kept one clean sheet already in this tournament, against Nigeria. another tonight would send them to the round of 16.
The focus tonight is going to lean towards the hosts, but there are two teams in action in Melbourne. So, what can we expect from Canada? Benedict Rhodes has the answers.
Canada play a style of football that prioritises defending. Bev Priestman’s side knows that they have quality in attack, but with several world-class defenders and goalkeepers in their squad, they believe that they have the ability to keep clean sheets against any team in the world. When a team does that, they will always have a chance to win. That was the case at the Olympics, and expect it to be the same mindset in Australia and New Zealand.
And on that subject, as expected, Kerr will not feature much tonight, and you’d suspect it will only be if absolutely necessary.
Australia HC Tony Gustavsson says Sam Kerr will be available tonight vs Canada but for limited minutes. #Aus #Can #FifaWWC pic.twitter.com/N5JkLLmqYJ
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) July 31, 2023
Sam Kerr’s calf has been the subplot to the opening rounds of this World Cup. Arriving at the tournament as the in-form striker in the game, a tweaked calf has denied the Chelsea sharpshooter the opportunity to demonstrate her class at the tournament her career has been building towards.
Kerr has declared herself fit to play tonight, although for how long remains to be seen. Since the injury, Tony Gustavsson has been understandably cagey about communicating the details of his captain’s fitness, but the mind games end tonight as Australia have to do everything they can reach the knockout stage.
As is always the case when a team underperforms, the coach becomes the centre of attention. For the Matildas, that man is Tony Gustavsson, who is surely a draw or defeat away from losing his job.
Should that be the case, the legacy of the past four years for Australian football would also come into question.
Under Gustavsson (whose win rate in charge is a shade under 50%, an unfavourable record to his predecessors Ante Milicic (69%) and Alen Stajcic (56%)) the Matildas were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of last year’s Asian Cup, and the year before that lost three of their six matches at the Olympics (winning only once in normal time). All this with the most lethal striker in the WSL and one of the most talented cohorts in the international game at his disposal.
Moreover, Australia’s style of play in recent years has, at times, left a lot to be desired. There is a fine line between looking for early vertical passes to speedy forwards and aimless long balls. Plenty of the latter were lumped towards Kerr in Tokyo, with makeshift striker Alanna Kennedy the focal point in the closing stages against Nigeria. Speaking of Nigeria, Gustavsson himself admitted one of his other Key Performance Indicators – the use of his substitutes – could have been better.
Rampaging right-back Ellie Carpenter also believes the Matildas are at their best when the chips are down.
Honestly, I feel like we’re best when we have our backs to the wall It’s a do-or-die game, and our spirit – we all know we have to leave everything out there on Monday.
Joey Peters played over 100 times for the Matildas – including winning a do-or-die World Cup clash against Canada. She’s backing the next generation of Australian internationals to repeat the trick.
This team thrives on the pressure. I don’t like the Matildas having to rely on the underdog tag, but against Canada it might suit them. Playing the Olympic champions in a must-win match, this is the final come early. That will help the players in their mindset, knowing this is the biggest game of their lives.
Just on Kerr-watch, I’m being told that she is not warming up with the rest of the matchday squad. Curiouser and curiouser.
The Matildas walk out for their warm-up to some cranking INXS tunes. Potential super sub Sam Kerr is in her boots and kit but is not warming up with the team. pic.twitter.com/3kPiPgR22c
— Kieran Pender (@KieranPender) July 31, 2023
Updated
Also in the images below is stand-in skipper Steph Catley, the subject of an email from Ezra Finkelstein. “As a big AFL fan, I was happy to see that the acting captain of the Matildas, Steph Catley, has a strong connection to St.Kilda, and her shirt number, 7, is a tribute to her favourite player, the elegant midfielder Lenny Hayes.”
I didn’t realise this – but there’s proof. Hopefully Catley lifts a few more trophies than Hayes ever did…
Sam Kerr lacing up her boots. This is not a drill.
Finishing touches before warm-up 🔥#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/OEi3MnetkH
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
Ok, time to get into the nuts and bolts of tonight’s match. Let’s kick things off with Kieran Pender, our man with the Matildas, setting the scene from Melbourne.
The group stage maths is relatively simple. Win and the Matildas are guaranteed a spot in the round of 16 at their home Women’s World Cup. Lose and their tournament is over. Draw and the team’s fate will rest with Ireland, who would need to beat Nigeria (with goal difference breaking the Matildas’ way). The only way Australia can be certain of progression is to win – to beat the Olympic champions, a team who twice vanquished the Matildas last year.
I’ve just watched four minutes of Home and Away before realising Australia’s host broadcaster has put most of the pregame where you wouldn’t expect it. Australian fans really are being short changed.
Group C is done and dusted, and it ends with Japan making one heck of a statement, defeating fellow contenders Spain 4-0. Rob Smyth is on the case.
Japan will play Norway in the last 16 after dismantling Spain in spectacular style in Wellington. All four goals – two for Hinata Miyazawa and one each for Riko Ueki and Mina Tanaka - came from brainy, unmerciful counter-attacks. Their coach Futoshi Ikeda would have imagined umpteen positive scenarios last night; I doubt a 4-0 win was one of them. Japan were as near to perfection as dammit.
Spain had all of the ball, almost 80 per cent, but created very little. And, more importantly, they kept walking into the Japanese trap. They will still expect to beat Switzerland in the last 16, but the manner of this defeat could seriously undermine their chances of going much further.
It’s getting louder! @Matildasactive running through some chants outside AAMI Park #Aus v #Can pic.twitter.com/8htgox14LI
— Jo Khan (@_jokhan) July 31, 2023
Confused about the permutations around tonight’s match? Fear not, Kieran Pender has you covered.
If the Matildas beat Canada, it will guarantee progression to the round of 16. Lose and their campaign is over, while a draw would put Australia’s fate in the hands of Ireland.
Canada XI
Just one change also for Canada, with veteran Christine Sinclair back in the starting line-up.
Your @CANWNT Starting XI for our #FIFAWWC match vs. Australia 🇨🇦🏆#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/EHXbOIpXWU
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023
Updated
Australia XI
Sam Kerr starts on the bench.
Just the one change from Tony Gustavsson following the defeat against Nigeria, and I like it, with Mary Fowler coming in for Cortnee Vine. It reduces Australia’s reliance on the early direct balls over the top and, with Emily van Egmond retained, should give the Matildas more subtle creativity in the final third.
STARTING XI 🗒
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
Teams news is IN. Here’s how we line up for our #FIFAWWC clash with Canada! 👊
⏰: 8:00pm AEST
📺💻📱: @Channel7 & @OptusSport#Matildas #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/5IluN85Hr0
Due to FIFA regulations, tonight’s venue is known seductively as Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Most of the time it’s called AAMI Park, with the insurance company paying for the naming rights since the ground opened in 2010.
Apropos the above, this is very funny.
Only fair that @TheMatildas produce an equally-brilliant moment this evening. 🙏 https://t.co/1tYdCCIluG
— AAMI Park (@AAMIPark) July 31, 2023
This family have come all the way from Toronto to see the #FIFAWWC !! There is an anxious energy in the air at Melbourne stadium whether you’re in red or green and gold pic.twitter.com/4NpxBBm9En
— Jo Khan (@_jokhan) July 31, 2023
The Matildas will be in their change strip tonight for the first time this tournament. To the uninitiated it is light blue, but after reading the PR guff from Nike you understand it is much more than that.
The bold colours of the away kit draws inspiration from the vivid sea, a trio of rich colors (sic) helps the away jersey celebrate the country’s natural wonders while a graphic on the inner pride nods to the spirit in which the national team plays.
Righto.
Tonight’s attire 🔵#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/mjvE17oZtY
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023
“Given how badly the Matildas executed against Nigeria, I can’t see how they will get past Canada tonight,” emails Robert Moylan, who starts as he means to go on.
“I think they will join the Football Ferns as the biggest host World Cup losers of all time. Guaranteed FIFA will never have another World Cup tournament here (they prefer host teams that can actually get to the group stage), and guaranteed that the Matildas will never play to such a large crowd ever again. They truly broke a nation’s heart. Gustavsson should be sacked for his selections, lousy strategy and for letting players get injured in training during the tournament. I would be happy to never see another Sam Kerr ad because she’s been a no-show, not an inspiration.”
There is already World Cup action underway, namely in Group C, which has been the only one of the eight groups to follow convention after two rounds, which means Costa Rica and Zambia are out, and Spain and Japan are through.
The top two are currently facing off with the winner to play Norway in Wellington, and the loser Switzerland in Auckland in the round of 16. If it’s a draw, Spain will top the group on goal difference, although at half-time Japan are 3-0 up.
The bottom two are fulfilling their contractual obligations here:
Because of all the interest in tonight’s fixture, we’re starting the ball rolling early here on the blog. That means there’s plenty of time for you to send me an email on your thoughts about tonight’s clash, Australian football, or just the World Cup in general.
I especially don’t want to deny any Colombian fans the opportunity to gloat after their team’s staggering performance against Germany yesterday.
Just under two hours to kick-off and in amongst the evening commute the Melbourne sporting precinct is buzzing.
The gates have opened at the MRS! Green and gold and Melbourne black for #Aus v #Can pic.twitter.com/7mEEsu6JtW
— Jo Khan (@_jokhan) July 31, 2023
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Canada v Australia from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Kick-off in Match 35 of World Cup 2023 is 8pm AEST/11am BST/6am EDT. It is going to be one of the biggest nights in the history of football in this country.
It all comes down to this for the Matildas. From this point onwards every match is sudden death. They simply have to win, or the World Cup dream is over.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Not yet anyway. A squad packed full of top-level talent – headlined by arguably the world’s greatest player – was expected to cruise into the knockout phase with a wet sail. But a calamitous couple of weeks threaten to derail years of preparation.
From Sam Kerr’s injury and Mary Fowler’s concussion, to Nigeria’s ebullient upset, things have unravelled quickly. But it’s been that sort of a tournament with the gap between the best and the rest narrowing, and all the major contenders facing obstacles. If Australia want to remain among those contenders, they must demonstrate nerves of steel tonight.
But they could hardly be coming up against a less inviting opponent than Canada. Ranked 7th in the world – three places higher than the Matildas – Canada are the reigning Olympic gold medallists. They are extraordinarily experienced, with ten squad members boasting 90 international caps or more. And they only require a draw to progress, so there’s no demand for them to open up and allow the space Australia’s attackers crave. They visited these shores last September, defeating their hosts twice.
Like Australia, Canada’s tournament has been far from perfect, but their opening round draw against the Super Falcons sees them a point better off than the Matildas heading into tonight’s dénouement. By 10pm they will hope it’s the point that sends them to the last 16.
Updated
