Australia
Mackenzie Arnold Barely tested, particularly in the first half. Her distribution was quality – it was her pass to Caitlin Foord that resulted in Hayley Raso’s opening goal. Also came up with an excellent save to deny Deanne Rose in the second half. 7
Steph Catley Obliterated Canada with her bursting runs from left back. Her club and country partnership with Foord unlocked the Canadian defence – her perfectly timed run, then cut-back to Raso saw the Matildas take the lead. Converted a penalty in injury time to cap off the night. 8
Alanna Kennedy Absolutely resolute at the back, forming a solid partnership with Clare Hunt that Canada couldn’t break through. Huge credit keeping a clean sheet under such pressure. 7
Clare Hunt Solid in defence, crucial interceptions and accurate with her passing out from the back. Has grown in confidence and composure during the group matches and looks settled at international level. 7
Ellie Carpenter The rampaging right-back enjoyed her best night of the tournament so far. She was dangerous going forward from the flanks and rushed back to defend when needed. 7
Kyra Cooney-Cross Tidy in midfield and whipped over a dangerous cross that ultimately found Raso, who doubled the lead. Often in the right place, at the right time. 7
Katrina Gorry Not afforded as much time on the ball as she usually enjoys, but still managed to direct much of the traffic. The heartbeat of the team – a workhorse who never seems to stop running. 7
Emily van Egmond Justified Tony Gustavsson’s decision to keep her in the starting lineup. Did so much of the hard work, winning the ball and allowing Foord the freedom to drift. 7
Hayley Raso A breakout night, putting in a player-of-the match performance. Her composure gave Australia the lead, then didn’t miss from near the goalline to score a brace. Pace and vision far too much for Canada to contain. 8
Caitlin Foord Drifted to her natural left side and linked up with her club teammate Catley to devastating effect, relying on the established chemistry between the two. Played a key role in Raso’s goals. 8
Mary Fowler Back in the starting lineup and moved into central striker position. Unlucky to have a goal ruled offside in the first half, but rewarded in the second. Showed how much Australian football has to be excited for. 7
Substitutes:
Cortnee Vine Replaced Raso just to torment Canada some more. 6
Clare Polkinghorne Replaced Van Egmond late in the game just to wrap up the win. 6
Charlotte Grant Replaced Gorry deep into injury time to enjoy her first taste of World Cup action. 6
Canada
Kailen Sheridan Pulled off a huge save to deny Raso, but she looked nervy and flapped at the cross that ultimately led to Australia’s second goal just before half-time. 5
Jayde Riviere Struggled to contain the pace and combination of Catley and Foord, allowing both of them to bypass her far too easily. 4
Kadeisha Buchanan Could not keep pace with Australia’s attack. Struggled to find a release, too often resorting to lobbing long balls. 4
Vanessa Gilles Positioning was poor and most attempts to play out of the back were innocuous. 4
Ashley Lawrence Usually one of Canada’s main attacking threats down the left, enjoyed a few tussles early on with Raso. But as the first half progressed, Raso well and truly had her number. 5
Quinn Had a mountain of work to do trying to shield Canada’s defence and link up with the forwards and struggled to do either. 5
Julia Grosso Struggled to make any telling contribution going forward for Canada in the first half. Was hooked at the break, making way for Sophie Schmidt. 5
Jessie Fleming Few opportunities to get forward. At times was able to link up with Leon, but not with any meaningful connection. Gave away a penalty in injury time. 5
Adriana Leon Looked bright and lively, particularly in the early exchanges. Couldn’t get through Australia’s defence though, and made way in the second half. Disappointing. 6
Christine Sinclair Still an aerial presence, but not even her experience was enough to settle Canada’s rattled nerves in the first half. She was replaced by Cloe Lacasse at the break. 5
Jordyn Huitema Had an early header that glanced wide, but like really struggled to make inroads. Little surprise she was one of four substitutions made by Bev Priestman at the break. 4
Substitutes:
Allysha Chapman Did little to help Canada’s cause after coming on at the break. 5
Deanne Rose Had an excellent opportunity to pull one back for Canada, only to have her effort excellently saved by Arnold. 5
Sophie Schmidt Immediately into the action after coming on and enjoyed Canada’s best chance, but was denied even a consolation goal. 5
Evelyne Viens Replaced Leon - a head injury substitution - and showed glimpses going forward, but just like her teammates, found an absolutely resolute Australian defence in her way. 5
Cloé Lacasse Came on for Sinclair to little effect. 4
Olivia Smith Was given just over 10 minutes after replacing Quinn, but again barely featured. 4
