World Cup Recap: Canada Ends World Cup Run Against Australia

In Canada’s final match of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, the team fell 4-0 to co-host Australia. Both OL Reign players – midfielder Quinn and forward Jordyn Huitema started the match and subbed out in the second half. Huitema was subbed off at halftime, while Quinn was subbed off in the 77th minute.

Australia was immediately dominate in the match, finding the opening goal in just the ninth minute of the match. Steph Catley found space on the left and played a low ball into the box, finding Hayley Raso at the back post. After initially being ruled offside, a video review determined the goal should stand, putting Australia up a goal early on.

Canada spent a lot of the half defending, nearly going down another goal in the 37th minute but VAR determined Australia was offside and play continued. Just two minutes later however, the Matildas found a second goal that counted. A corner kick wound up loose in Canada’s box and Raso was able to poke it into the back of the net to send Canada into the locker room with a two-goal deficit.

Canada made four changes at the half, but still had a lot of work to do defensively, as Australia started their goal scoring chances immediately. In the 58th minute of the match, just 13 minutes after the teams came back from halftime, Australia scored a third.

Caitlin Foord got to the line of the left and cut the ball back to Mary Fowler, who made no mistake putting the ball into the back of the net.

As the game was coming to a close, Evelyne Viens nearly found a goal back for Canada, but it was saved by Australia’s goalkeeper. Adding to the late drama, Australia was awarded a penalty kick after a play in the box was reviewed. Catley stepped up to the spot for the co-hosts and found the back of the net, bringing the final score of the match to 4-0 in favor of Australia. 

With the loss, Canada finished in third place in Group B with one draw, one win and one loss, ending their 2023 World Cup run.