Ellie Carpenter says Matildas are best with backs to wall ahead of ‘do-or-die’ Canada clash

Ellie Carpenter and the Matildas take on Canada knowing that a win will secure a place in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup. Photograph: Elsa/FIFA/Getty Images

A game, but also an occasion. That’s how Matildas’ wingback Ellie Carpenter describes the team’s must-win final group stage clash with Canada in Melbourne on Monday. Win, and Australia will progress to the round of 16 at this historic home Women’s World Cup. Lose, and their tournament is over before it really began.

Carpenter is under no illusions about the task ahead. “Honestly, I feel like we’re best when we have our backs to the wall,” she said on Saturday. “It’s a do-or-die game, and our spirit – we all know we have to leave everything out there on Monday.”