Canada suffers heartbreaking World Cup knockout with loss to Australia
Canada’s run at the Women’s World Cup is over after a 4-0 blowout loss at the hands of the host Australians in Melbourne.
The loss sends the reigning Olympic champions home after the group stage, as Australia (ranked No. 10 in the world) and No. 40 ranked Nigeria will advance in Group B.
While they had an impressive comeback win over Ireland in the second group stage match, Canada (ranked No. 7) was unable to score a goal for the second time in three matches Down Under.
And as chance after chance came their way, the ladies in red failed to capitalize.
Striker Hayley Raso opened the scoring for Australia just nine minutes into the match, firing a shot past Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Raso’s goal was originally called off as it was deemed offside, but the call was reversed after review.
Australia crossed the goal line once again in the 39th minute, but one was disallowed due to being offside.
Quick to bounce back, though, Raso netted another crucial goal just two minutes after the review.
AUSTRALIA OPEN THE SCORING!
What a start for the Matildas on a play that is checked for offside, but ultimately ruled a good goal to the co-hosts.
Canada in a deficit early.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/48ETMhVZo8
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 31, 2023
AUSTRALIA DOUBLE DOWN!
No VAR check needed on this one. Raso gets her 2nd goal of the game and Canada has a big hole to dig out of now.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Pq9gd9RTZa
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 31, 2023
With no shots on target through 45 minutes, Canada lost possession of the ball 92 times in the first half alone.
Down 2-0 after 45 minutes, Canadian coach Beverly Priestman made four substitutions on the pitch to start the second half, including removing Christine Sinclair in what is likely her final World Cup.
But the second half did not provide much relief.
In the 58th minute, Australia’s Caitlin Foord stood up two defenders, pulling the ball back from the byline, allowing forward Mary Fowler to send another past Sheridan.
3-0 to Australia.
Mary Fowler is wide open in the 6-yard box and extends the Matildas lead.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/q1LpZOcuPm
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 31, 2023
Then, with the final whistle near, Australia put the last nail in the coffin when midfielder Jessie Fleming took a foul in the box. Australia was awarded a penalty, which Stephanie Catley capitalized on.
Catley converts from the spot.
4-0 Australia.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/VvWDDXSmYW
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 31, 2023
It was the first time Canada conceded more than three goals in a single match in over a decade. This is the first time that Canada has failed to advance past the group stage at the Women’s World Cup since 2011.
Canada would have advanced to the round of 16 had they come up with a win or a draw against their opponents. Instead, Australia has topped Group B.
Nigeria has also advanced to the knockout stage after their match against Ireland ended in a scoreless draw.
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