Matildas player ratings: See which Australian stars excelled and who struggled in Canada’s World Cup destruction

The Matildas were dominant from start to finish against Canada despite crushing pressure as they knew their home World Cup would have been over if they had lost in Melbourne after their shock defeat to Nigeria last Thursday.

Hayley Raso scored a double, Mary Fowler should have had two herself but was controversially sidelined by VAR for one, and substitute skipper Steph Catley put an exclamation mark on proceedings with a late penalty.

It was the biggest victory by a Matildas team at a World Cup – and better yet, the Aussies had such strong control that injured superstar Sam Kerr never had to be called up.

This is how Daily Mail Australia rated the home team…

Mackenzie Arnold: 8.5

Made some bad mistakes in the last game that may have damaged confidence, but ‘Macca’ was back at her best in this game, making some crucial saves, but also returning to the brilliant distributor she had been.

Ellie Carpenter: 6

Brilliant to see the Lyon star at least back in shape. She’s such a talented player – one of the best in the world – but where did that spark go? Carpenter was determined to defend better than the diabolical match in Nigeria, and she certainly did, but Aussies want to see the superstar they fell in love with.

Clare Hunt: 8.5

The girl from the small town of Grenfell (NSW) was a mammoth. There aren’t many better players on the field than Hunt, who really played Kennedy and Polkinhorne out of the first-choice CB spot. The challenges she won, the time she won them, and the distribution she provided to those in front were phenomenal. She won’t want the attention, but she was just as important as any Aussie player.

Alan Kennedy: 6.5

Many expected her to relinquish her place to Clare Polkinghorne, but Gustavsson chose his most talented centre-back. Although she didn’t reach the climax of a brilliant match against Ireland, she was calmer than the match against Ireland and despite a few passing errors she was

Stephen Catley: 8.5

My goodness, did the replacement skipper stand up or something? Faded, as expected given the score of the game, as the game went on, but the Arsenal jet was at its deadliest on the left, providing the opening goal with a refined touch. Then came the defensive growl – she was strong.

Hayley Raso: 9

Hang it in the Louvre. The fan favorite celebrating a goal that drove the whole country crazy to open the scoring was one thing – but the new signing from Real Madrid continued to show her new Galactico club why they brought her in. Relentless as always, but her positioning and nous were brilliant, and she seemed to regain confidence and composure on her first touch, and the fact that she once again often finished behind Carpenter showed how hard she worked.

Katrina Gorry: 7

Not the best workhorse game, with quite a few very, heavy touches, but the side is much better for her anyway. Looks to be very painful and will be more important than Sam Kerr when it comes to the playoffs. Worked himself hurt and chased every mistake.

Kyra Cooney-Cross: 7.5

A brilliant distributor, Gorry was arguably the team’s leading passer, but this young Matilda was sensational. Did she find out? Do not think so. She never looks nervous, but has a better sense than her experienced counterpart.

Emily Van Egmond: 6

Flirted between midfield and forwards, not having much influence on either of them. But she certainly didn’t let anyone down, despite not being a major threat.

Caitlin Ford: 9

The happiest person on the Australian side, Mary Fowler, could play. The shackles were released and the Arsenal star looked like a different player, free of the huge burden she seemed to be carrying in Nigeria’s loss. The first touch, the through ball… the effort to chase back in defense – she was a woman possessed.

Mary Fowler: 9

Fowler is ecstatic after her goal gave the Aussies a 3-0 lead – after her first score was controversially recalled for offside by VAR

One thing’s for sure, if Sam Kerr (hopefully) gets into the Round of 16, Mary Fowler will be there no matter what. What an astonishing performance. The first touch, the dribbling, the passing… it’s all Mary’s world and we just live in it.

Clare Polkinghorne: N/A

She got in late, because she has the last two, and luckily she didn’t have to make a difference in this one.