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Match Preview: Australia v Canada

Australia plays their final group stage game against Canada on Monday, 31 July (8:00 pm AEST), with both teams fighting for a place in the knockout stages. 

The game at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium will see the CommBank Matildas face Canada, with both sides looking to book their spot in the knockout stages in the final group stage game. 

How to watch the game! Can’t make it to the game? Check out the FIFA Fan Festival™ live sites to watch the game. 

Squad News

Gustavsson was asked about player availability leading into the do-or-die clash with Canada, with Sam Kerr revealing throughout the week she would be available for selection for the final group stage game. 

The head coach was asked in the pre-match press conference about the return of striker Sam Kerr,“We’ve been clear from the first day – that we knew that she was going to miss the first two games and then be assessed for this game,” he said. “And that was going to go down to the wire – a new expression for me that I learned yesterday.

“We’re going to have a meeting tonight with the medical team and Sam and discuss what the possibilities are for her to play tomorrow. And then we’re going to do some tests tomorrow and see what it looks like.” 

Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Mackenzie Arnold
Defenders: Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant
Midfielders/Forwards: Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Mary Fowler, Tameka Yallop, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Katrina Gorry, Sam Kerr, Kyra Cooney-Cross

Our Opponent

Canada was held to a 0-0 draw to Nigeria in their opening game of the competition at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. The side then travelled to Perth in search of their first win of the 2023 edition, picking up all three points against the Republic of Ireland.

Adriana Leon (C) of Canada celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Ireland at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Perth / Boorloo, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Adriana Leon (C) of Canada celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Ireland at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Perth / Boorloo, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The team fell behind early to the Girls in Green, with Katie McCabe scoring directly from a corner. Canada clawed back the equaliser just before the break, forcing an own goal from Megan Connolly.

Adriana Leon scored the matchwinner early in the second half to seal all three points and move to second on the ladder. 

Goalkeepers:  Sabrina D’Angelo, Lysianne Proulx, Kailen Sheridan
Defenders: Kdeisha Buchana, Allysha Chapman, Vanessa Gilles, Gabrielle Carle, Ashley Lawrence, Jayde Riviere, Shelina Zadorsky
Midfielders: Simi Awujo, Jessie Fleming, Julia Grosso, Quinn, Sophie Schmidt 
Forwards: Jordyn Huitema, Cloé Lacasse, Adriana Leon, Nichelle Prince, Deanne Rose, Christine Sinclair, Evelyn Viens, Olivia Smith

For all the latest news and information regarding our FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, stay updated via the official CommBank Matildas website.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ – Group B Matchday 3

Canada v Australia
Date: Monday, 31 July 2023
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 8:00 pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Optus Sport and Channel 7