Hayley Raso scored twice as Australia qualified for the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup. Australia won a crushing 4-0 victory over Canada, who were dumped out of the competition.
In spite of Mary Fowler’s effort being ruled out for offside, the joint hosts doubled their lead before half-time with another Raso goal.
In the second period, Australia scored three goals through Fowler. Steph Catley’s penalty in stoppage time helped set up a last-16 clash with the runners-up in Group D, which consisted of England, Denmark and China.
Australia opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Catley latched onto a ball down the wing. Her low cross fell to Raso, who placed the ball into the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but given after a VAR review to put the Matildas 1-0 up.
Raso proved to be a menace for Canadian defence. She almost doubled their advantage three minutes later when she let fly inside the area but saw her goalbound effort saved by Kailen Sheridan.
Australia doubled their advantage with 36 minutes on the clock after Fowler pounced in a goalmouth scramble. However, after another VAR review, the goal was ruled out after Ellie Carpenter was judged to be offside and interfering with play.
Five minutes later, the Aussies made sure they extended their lead after Kyra Cooney-Cross curled a corner on top of Sheridan and another spell of pinball led to the ball falling at the feet of Raso who smashed home her second of the night.
Australia flew into an unassailable three-goal lead just before the hour mark as Caitlin Foord made a well-timed run into the channel and put the ball on a plate for Fowler, who scuffed home via a post and was not to be denied this time.
