Looking lost and lackluster without its star player and facing a humiliating group stage elimination in front of an expectant home crowd, Australia finally produced a performance worthy of reaching the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup, advancing on Monday night at the expense of the Olympic champion, Canada, 4-0.
It was the fate of the star striker Sam Kerr, ruled out with a calf injury just a day before the opening game, that has hung like an immovable cloud over the Australian team throughout the tournament, reaching a fever pitch as the must-win game against Canada neared.