Fowler scores as City’s Australia duo advance to World Cup last-16 with win over Canada | OneFootball

Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy’s Australia dramatically advanced into the last-16 of the 2023 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Canada in their final Group B match.

And with Nigeria and Republic of Ireland drawing 0-0, the Matildas qualified as group winners.

Following a win and a defeat in their opening two matches, the City pair knew they had to beat their then-second placed opponents to the progress into the knockout round with the duo both starting at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

And Australia made the perfect start in their quest to reach the second phase of the prestigious tournament when former Sky Blue winger Hayley Raso drilled the ball home after 10 minutes following a VAR check for offside.

No infringement was spotted, and the goal stood – sending the rapturous home supporters wild.

The opening goal clearly handed the Matildas players a momentum enhancing boost, while it also appeared to have momentarily knocked the wind out of Canada’s sails.

And with 10 minutes remaining of the opening 45, Fowler thought she’d scored her first of the tournament to double Australia’s advantage when she showed her poacher’s instinct to fire the ball into the roof of the net after it squirmed around the box.

However, after a lengthy VAR check, her venomous effort was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Moments later, though, Raso extinguished any disappointment when the ball broke to her following a corner before she coolly tapped home to restore their two-goal advantage.

The co-host nation started the second half in similar to fashion to how they ended the first, and Kyra Cooney-Cross almost extended the lead further with a speculative drive from just past halfway which was tipped over by Kailen Sheridan.

Fowler then avenged her first-half ruled out effort by scoring the third of the evening when she ghosted into the box and tapped Caitlin Foord's cut-back home via the post.

Needing only a draw to progress into the last-16, Canada immediately went on the offensive in a bid to salvage their World Cup hopes.

And they almost pulled a goal back when Deanna Rose drove into the box and saw her low effort saved by the feet of MacKenzie Arnold.

However, in second half stoppage time, the Matildas were awarded a penalty and Steph Catley stepped up to make it four - rubber stamping the Matildas biggest-ever World Cup win which secured passage into the knockout stages.

By finishing as Group B victors, Australia will face Group D's second placed nation (one of England, Denmark or China) on Monday 7 August at 11:30 (UK).