Melbourne was the setting for this decisive encounter as unbeaten Canada came into the game occupying second place in Group B with four points, one ahead of co-hosts Australia who sat third having suffered a surprise defeat to Nigeria in their previous outing.

Our Blues trio of Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence and Jessie Fleming started for the Canadians who knew a draw would be enough to see them qualify for the last 16. Meanwhile, Sam Kerr was among the substitutes for the Matildas for whom a win was the simplest route to the knockouts.

High stakes

In front of a buoyant home crowd in Melbourne, Australia got off to a dream start when Hayley Raso finished from inside the box with nine minutes played. The offside flag was almost the thief of joy but VAR came to the Matildas' rescue as they landed the first blow in this contest.

Canada needed to wrestle back some control over proceedings and did so momentarily but required VAR to come to their aid when Mary Fowler thought she had netted a second for Australia, only to see the goal chalked off for offside which spared the Canadian’s blushes.

However, Canada could not be saved just moments later when Raso restored the Matildas' two-goal cushion five minutes before the break. A corner from the left caused chaos inside the penalty area and Raso was in the right place at the right time to bundle the ball home from close-range. At half-time, Australia topped the group while Canada were staring down the barrel of elimination.

Waltzing Matildas

On 57 minutes, Australia put the game to bed with a third goal and there was no denying Fowler on this occasion. A well-timed run into the box wasn’t tracked and the forward was left in acres of space to scoop the ball over the line via the post and all but seal the Matildas' place in the last 16.

A swift counter-attack almost resulted in Canada pulling a goal back with 25 minutes remaining, but substitute Deanne Rose saw her effort saved by the feet of Arnold who was alert to the danger with the clock ticking down on Canada’s World Cup campaign.

Australia managed the remainder of the game effectively and scored a fourth from the spot in stoppage time courtesy of Steph Catley. The referee’s final whistle sparked jubilant scenes amongst the home faithful as the Matildas progressed to the knockout stage while sending Canada home.

Statement victory

Elsewhere, Japan and Spain met in Wellington to determine the winners of Group C and it was the Japanese who prevailed with a statement 4-0 victory. Maika Hamano was an unused substitute in a win which sees Japan top the group with maximum points ahead of their last 16 clash with Norway.

What’s next?

Group C winners Japan will take on Group A runners-up Norway in the last 16 in Wellington on Saturday 5 August, with kick-off scheduled for 9am (UK time).

Australia’s victory sees them top Group B meaning they will face the runners-up in Group D which consists of England, Denmark, China and Haiti.

The Matildas will discover their last 16 opponents tomorrow (Tuesday) when England take on China and Haiti face Denmark with both games kicking off at midday (UK time).