The Matildas have hauled themselves off the canvas to thump Canada 4-0 and reach the Women’s World Cup round of 16.

Hayley Raso scored a first-half brace to give Australia the upper hand with emerging star Mary Fowler adding a third in the 58th minute.

Hometown hero Steph Catley buried a penalty to seal a famous victory in front of 27,706 fans at AAMI Park and top spot in Group B.

Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a magnificent save in the 67th minute to maintain a clean sheet.

The Matildas, with skipper Sam Kerr watching from the bench, needed to win to avoid an embarrassing group stage exit without relying on Ireland to beat Nigeria.

They will instead finish top of group B with six points, after Nigeria drew 0-0 with Ireland in the other game to claim second and knock Canada out.

Shifted to the left wing, with Fowler returning from concussion, Caitlin Foord starred all night and combined brilliantly with vice-captain Steph Catley.

Right-back Ellie Carpenter was relentless while Emily van Egmond, who held her spot ahead of Cortnee Vine, justified her selection with a cool-headed performance in Australia’s front two.

Centre-backs Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy were calm-headed while Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry were busy all night in midfield.

Australia were far more patient on the ball than in their 3-2 loss to Nigeria that had put their campaign on a knife’s edge and it paid off for their first goal.

Raso got things started when she finished off a blistering end-to-end move in the ninth minute.

Carpenter sent a Canada long ball back to Arnold.

The goalkeeper controlled it well then fizzed a wonderful pass out to Caitlin Foord, who charged forward and slipped the ball through to Steph Catley.

The stand-in captain burst down the touchline, had the presence of mind to take a touch then whipped a cross into the box, where it deflected to Raso who coolly steered it into the far bottom corner.

It was initially ruled offside but a VAR referral confirmed the goal.

Raso came desperately close to scoring another in the 13th minute.

The Australians forced a turnover and Foord again combined with Catley, who picked out Raso.

But the winger’s finish didn’t quite have enough power and Kailen Sheridan got down to make a save.

Adriana Leon whipped a dangerous ball past the far post in the 16th minute.

Australia thought they’d doubled their lead when Fowler bundled home after a chaotic build-up in the 37th minute.

But after a lengthy VAR referral, Carpenter was ruled offside.

It didn’t rattle the Matildas and two minutes later, Canada’s defence failed to deal with a Cooney-Cross corner and Raso scored her second goal.

Coach Tony Gustavsson, who had been realistically coaching for his job, picked up a yellow card in injury time.

Canada coach Bev Priestman made four substitutions at halftime in a bid to spark the world No.7 side.

In the 51st minute, Catley sent a tantalising cross just out of a stretching Raso’s reach and two minutes later, midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross forced Sheridan to save a long-range shot.

Canada veteran Sophie Schmidt shot over the bar in the 57th minute.

A minute later, Catley released Foord down the left wing and the attacker charged forward, skipped her way to the goal line then cut back for Fowler.

With the ball slightly behind her, the young striker impressively used her left foot to drag the ball towards goal and it clinked off the post and over the line.

Arnold brilliantly stuck out her leg to deny Deanne Rose in the 66th minute.

Fowler hit the post in the 80th minute and Australia made it four after a VAR referral determined Jessie Fleming had stepped on Katrina Gorry inside the 18-yard box.

Proud Melburnian Catley coolly stepped up and buried the penalty to put an exclamation mark on the victory and send AAMI Park into ecstasy.

Following the Matildas’ victory against Canada, Canberrans will be able to cheer on the Aussies in the Round of 16 Knockout Stage at a free public screening in Garema place on Monday 7 August.

“We know Canberrans love their football and are great supporters of women’s sport,” said Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation. “This is an opportunity to join with other football fans and enjoy all the buzz and community spirit of the Women’s World Cup.

“We’ll also be encouraging local businesses in the surrounding area to get involved in the event and add to the game day atmosphere.”

Timing and further details will be confirmed next week when the Group matches are complete. Canberrans will be able to get further information in the coming days at events.canberra.com.au.

Ms Berry thanked the University of Canberra for hosting Canberrans for Watch Parties during the Group matches.

UC’s PLAY ON! exhibition celebrating women’s football is on until 31 August in the UC Refectory, supported by the ACT Government.