Matildas advance to knockout stages of Women's World Cup with 4-0 win over Canada

No Sam Kerr, no problem.

Co-hosts Australia have advanced to the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup, beating Canada to finish top of their group.

The 4-0 victory is the Matildas' BIGGEST win at a Women's World Cup!

Even without star striker and skipper Sam Kerr, the Matildas managed to find the back of the net on FOUR occasions through Raso, Fowler and Catley as they coasted to a relatively comfortable victory.

It was a must-win match for the Aussies, and they certainly didn't buckle under the pressure as a number of players stepped up to the plate and delivered goals in Kerr's absence.

A first #FIFAWWC goal? And what a moment to do it! 🎉#Matildas #TilitsDone @HayleyRaso pic.twitter.com/TRoAprROVC

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023

It was a cagey start for both teams with neither side getting their foot on the ball and stringing a spell of possession together.

But it was the home side which drew first blood when captain Steph Catley went bombing down the left wing.

Catley then whipped in a low ball which ricocheted off a Canadian defender and landed right at Raso's feet.

Taking a touch, Raso composed herself before rifling the ball into the back of the net.

There were initial concerns that a possible offside could rule the goal out, but a quick VAR check confirmed that Catley was onside when she received the ball on the left flank.

The first was so nice, she did it twice 😎 @HayleyRaso #FIFAWWC #Matildas
pic.twitter.com/gOxgPzoUQf

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023

However, the dreaded VAR booth was on hand once again – this time denying Australia a clear goal.

When Mary Fowler bundled the ball into the back of the net following some rather scrappy build-up play, the Matildas looked like they'd extended their lead over Canada to 2-0.

But when the referee was called over to the pitch-side screen to watch a replay, every Aussie fan collectively rolled their eyes.

The officials ruled that Aussie right back Ellie Carpenter was in an offside position – despite being IN FRONT of the Canadian defender.

After some deliberation, the referee eventually ruled the goal out – much to the amazement of everyone inside Melbourne Rectangular Stadium as well as those watching from home.

But the Aussies didn't let the bizarre decision bother them too much as Raso bagged her second goal of the game just a few minutes later.

MARY FOWLER GETS HER GOAL!!!

She’s had one ruled out but they won’t rule this one off.

Australia in dreamland 😍🇦🇺

Watch LIVE | https://t.co/zkrZdKDkdA#FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/Auh871ZV78

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 31, 2023

When the referee blew for half-time, the Matildas went into the dressing rooms with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

And they continued their dominance into the second half with Fowler getting onto the scoresheet in the 58th minute.

Caitlin Foord surged down the left wing, beating a few defenders on her way.

She then pulled the ball back across the face of the goal and managed to find Fowler's feet who slotted it home off the post.

And captain Steph Catley capped off the performance by converting from the penalty spot after Katrina Gorry was fouled in the box.

Overall, a very memorable night for Australian football.