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Catley and Foord's Matildas into World Cup last 16

Steph Catley celebrates with the Australian bench after scoring a penalty

Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley's Australia are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a 4-0 win over Olympic champions Canada. 

The Matildas had a challenge on their hands going into Monday's matchday in Melbourne, trailing both Nigeria and Canada in the Group B standings. Catley led the Matildas out for the third time as they tried to pip the Canadians to a last 16 place. 

It was a dream start for the hosts as Foord unlocked Catley down the left wing and the captain sent a dangerous ball into the area. The Canadian backline fumbled the clearance and Raso was able to pounce with a well-taken drive into the bottom-left corner.

A second goal for Australia was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review but it took them only two minutes to officially double their advantage. An Australian corner led to a goalmouth scramble and once again, Real Madrid’s Raso was able to find the net. 

Cloe Lacasse was brought off the bench after half-time as the Canadians attempted to save their World Cup and despite a bright display down the left wing, there was no overcoming the Matildas. 

In a reverse of Australia's first goal, Catley sent a ball down the wing to Foord who raced to the byline. Under pressure, our forward managed a perfect cutback to Mary Fowler and then it was 3-0. 

Captain Catley then completed the dominant display with her second penalty of the tournament - a lovely strike powered past Canada's Kailen Sheridan. 

As Group B winners, Matildas will then face the runners-up in Group D which will be decided tomorrow as England face China and Denmark play Haiti. 

Over in Brisbane, Katie McCabe captained the Republic of Ireland for one last time at the tournament as they earned their first World Cup point against Nigeria. 

Sadly, the Girls in Green had been knocked out in the second match after losing to both Australia and Canada but not before McCabe scored one of the goals of the tournament straight from a corner.