Women’s World Cup: Matildas group stage review

Having finished top of Group B at the Women’s World Cup, Australia achieved what co-hosts New Zealand could not by reaching the knockout stages.

With two wins and a defeat in Group B, here’s a look back over the Matildas’ three games so far.

A nervy start but a win secured

It was always about the result in Australia’s opening game of the World Cup and it was a win they got, as they managed to edge out the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Sydney.

Steph Catley scored the decisive penalty at Stadium Australia that night to ensure a winning start for manager Tony Gustavsson and his side.

A nervy start for many nations was common in this World Cup, with plenty of low-scoring results over the opening round of group games.

The three points were vital for Australia to get their campaign up and running, and once again it was the experienced Catley who stepped up for her country from the penalty spot.

A shot across the bow against Nigeria

Australia found themselves leading 1-0 in their second group game, with Emily van Egmond seemingly scoring at the perfect moment before half-time against Nigeria. 

However, Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu scored five minutes later just before the break to leave things all square.

Should Australia have kept Nigeria out before the break the match in Brisbane might have been a different story, but the night was to turn sour for the hosts.

The Nigerians came out stronger in the second half and goals from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala put them 3-1 ahead heading into time added on.

Alanna Kennedy scored late on with one of the last kicks of the game but it was too little too late as Australia suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

It was certainly a warning to Gustavsson’s side that they can’t take their foot off the gas when ahead, and in the long run that lesson might serve the Matildas in good stead going forward.

Finishing with a flurry

Frustrated from the defeat to Nigeria, Australia produced a backlash in their final Group B outing to blow away Canada 4-0 and finish top of the pool.

A strong start with a brace from Hayley Raso in the first 39 minutes set the tone for a comprehensive victory at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

A goal from Mary Fowler and another penalty from Catley wrapped up the victory to take Australia through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

It’s a win that will give Australia momentum for the sterner challenges to come, with the Matildas priced at 11.00 to win the tournament.  

With home advantage anything can happen, and Australia will have learnt plenty already from the highs and lows from their journey through Group B.