Australia topped their Cup of Nations group on Sunday after beating Spain 3-2, with Manchester City's Hayley Raso playing a key role in the win.
It was an incredible display from Australia against the top-ranked side in the tournament and the team ranked seventh in the world. Raso’s pace caused Spain all sorts of problems and she was part of a counter-attack that saw her cut inside from the right flank before delivering a cross that allowed Cortnee Vine to fire home with an incredible effort from outside the box to hand her side an 11th-minute lead.
Just minutes later the 28-year-old delivered a cross from the left which found Sam Kerr before Clare Polkinghorne pounced to double the lead. Raso very nearly had a hand in a third goal as she found Kyra Cooney-Cross in acres of space. Her cross was converted by Kerr but the header was disallowed for offside.
The Matildas weren't to be denied their third goal in the opening 45 minutes as Caitlin Foord got on the end of a free-kick to give her side a commanding lead at the break.
Raso made such an impact in her 58 minutes on the pitch that when she came off Spain rallied and finally got back into the game with two goals in the latter stages of a contest, though Australia hung on for a 3-2 win.
Raso delivered an inspired performance while club teammates Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy were unused substitutes. Raso will now face City teammate Khadija Shaw in Australia's next outing against Jamaica on Wednesday, February 22. Their final Cup of Nations clash kicks off at 8:10am UK time.
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