AS IT HAPPENED: Magnificent Matildas crush Canada to top Group B, book knockouts berth

It is life or death for the Matildas when they take on Canada in Melbourne to decide who advances to the Round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8pm (AEST).

Captain Sam Kerr looks increasingly unlikely to be in the starting team tonight, with the Matildas remaining hamstrung by injury and some rather odd selections throughout women’s football’s showpiece event.

The team now faces the might of Canada in their final Group B game and a loss will see the Matildas out of the tournament, embarrassed, and subject to criticism that many have been preparing to send the way of coach Tony Gustavsson.

Three points will assure the Australians’ passage into the knockout phase, yet a draw would see goal difference become a factor and the result of the Nigeria-Ireland clash this evening potentially deciding their fate.

Canada looked somewhat cumbersome in their opening match against the Africans, yet came to life in their second game against the Irish, storming home in the second half.

Australia simply need to get far more from their midfield, with better passing from Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry and Mary Fowler required in order to create the opportunities for the front line. Ellie Carpenter will be an important player in this match, yet is still to find her best in the tournament, and Caitlin Foord, Cortnee Vine and Hayley Raso need to take up the attacking slack should Kerr remain on the pine.

The Australians will feel confident that even without their superstar, a win can still be achieved against a quality Canadian team.

Prediction

Despite the nation being in raptures and in full support of the Matildas, it does look like a bridge too far against a Canadian squad that found some form in their second group stage game.

Frankly, the Matilda’s campaign looks a little shaky and cursed.

Canada 2, Matildas 1

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 8pm (AEST)
TV: Channel 7
Streaming: 7Plus, Optus Sport
Betting: Matildas $2.35, draw $3.00, Canada $3.30 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

Matildas

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (Liverpool), Lydia Williams (Brighton and Hove Albion)Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily Van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid), Kyah Simon (unattached), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)

Coach: Tony Gustavsson

Canada

Goalkeepers: Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave), Sabrina D’Angelo (Arsenal), Lysianne Proulx (Torreense).Defenders: Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Shelina Zadorsky (Tottenham Hotspur), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United) Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit).Midfielders: Quinn (OL Reign), Julie Grosso (Juventus), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Simi Awujo (USC), Olivia Smith (Penn State).

Forwards: Deanne Rose ( Reading), Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Chirstine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstads), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Adriana Leon (Manchester United), Cloe Lacasse (Arsenal).