One of the English Premier League’s greatest and most popular players has lauded the Matildas after their 4-0 win over Canada – he even managed to hug skipper Steph Catley.
Australia needed to beat the reigning Olympic champions to progress to the knockout stages of their own World Cup; and they did so in style thanks to goals from Hayley Raso (2), Mary Fowler and Catley, who expertly converted her second penalty of the tournament.
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium was buzzing and the cult hero of the Premier League, who has scored 113 goals in 213 appearances in a brilliant career, mainly for Arsenal, was at the side of the pitch to take it all in.
The English football great has since become a hugely popular pundit and is also a highly respected voice in the women’s game.
So fans have gone wild with his lavish praise and heartfelt joy for the Matildas, including the moment when he hugged Deputy Skipper Catley, who plays with his alma mater, the Gunners, along with star striker Caitlin Foord.
Matildas players (LR Clare Polkinghorne, Ellie Carpenter and Cortnee Vine) celebrate the side’s fourth goal, a penalty converted by substitute skipper Steph Catley (right)
Hayley Raso celebrates the first of her two goals against Canada. The Real Madrid star was crucial in the win
Ian Wright, who played for England at the 1998 World Cup in France, was clearly delighted that the Matildas secured their passage to the Round of 16.
In addition to pumping up Catley, the legendary striker praised young midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross, Foord and Fowler for their brilliant performances.
But it was the way the Matildas represented Canada, ranked No. 7 in the world, with the weight of the entire country on their shoulders that impressed Wright.
“Hard to describe (what the win means), especially with the pressure Australia was under this game, and everything with Sam (Kerr); (but) the girls came with the goods tonight,” the Arsenal great said on Channel 7’s post-match coverage of Matildas’ victory.
“They absolutely hammered them from the start… incredible result for them.
“They dismantled them. They did what they had to do, Australia. We know that Canada is very strong defensively… so I am very pleased.
“Honestly, I’m so proud of them. The pressure they have to perform at a home World Cup without your star player is unbelievable. Happy for them.’
Arsenal great Ian Wright is Down Under for the Women’s World Cup and he heaped praise on the Matildas after the win
Catley celebrates converting a penalty to give Australia an unassailable 4-0 lead in the must-win game
Caitlin Foord was brilliant for the Matildas, often linking up with Catley down the left as they ‘bamboozled’ the Canadian defense
Wright particularly praised the attack on the Matilda’s left, which was mainly through Catley, Foord and Emily Van Egmond – with the former two relentlessly bombarding an underperforming Canadian defense all night long.
But when asked if Catley was overjoyed with the win when he saw her, he said she had a very simple emotion that was in response to the “incredible” atmosphere in the stadium and across the country.
“It felt a bit like relief (Catley’s response), because they were under a lot of pressure,” he said on the Counter Pressed with Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Friends podcast.
“The point is, I don’t think people understand the pressure they were under from all over the country, especially when it comes to the last game.
“I can’t stress enough how much they would miss Sam Kerr and the star she is. The team that pulls it off, scores four goals and a team like Canada beats the Olympic champions like they did, fantastic.
“She (Catley) is very dangerous. Australia’s left side was great all night as they really hammered Canada on the side. I thought they were brilliant and cheated on the left side.
“It was a great, incredible atmosphere. Going into the game, it felt like something was in the air.
“They (Australia) came out of the blocks exactly the way you’d like them to, they didn’t get too emotional about the crowd. Ellie Carpenter, I saw her crank up the crowd at one point, and that was really cool.”
Ellie Carpenter was thrilled after the win and praised the incredible Australian fans
According to Wright, the atmosphere at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium was exciting
Enthusiastic fans cheer on the Matildas at a live viewing venue in Adelaide
Wright selected a few players who stood up during Kerr’s absence, although she is expected to play in the Round of 16 match (expected to be against Denmark) next Monday, provided her calf has healed.
The Premier League legend said what the side could achieve without putting Kerr, or her calf on the line, was so important.
Wright was unequivocal that Kerr is the best striker in the world, but praised some of the Matildas who got up.
“We called Mary Fowler. We know what she does creatively, and she was incredible. She did very well playing the clutch,” he said.
“What you want from Mary Fowler is to score a few goals while Sam Kerr isn’t playing (and) boost her confidence… she came to the fore tonight.
“The longer they can go without Kerr, the better. If she is needed, hopefully it won’t be a problem with her ankle or calf how bad that is. If you can progress, you can with a player like
Sam Kerr is a half chance specialist. She is the best striker in the world for me right now, the best number nine in the world. The longer you can go where you don’t need her… the better it will be for Australia.
“I have to say, Caitlin Foord (was) brilliant today. Cooney Cross? Player. I’ve already tried tapping her.’
Ian Wright said goalscorer Mary Fowler was ‘incredible’ in Kerr’s absence
Wright was also very impressed with young midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross (right)
Sam Kerr (left, pictured hugging teammate Alanna Kennedy after Australia’s win) didn’t play a minute in the side’s victory
For all his praise for Australia, Wright was devastating to the reigning Olympic champions, who looked completely lost in defense and barely got a chance in attack.
A tearful Christine Sinclair, who has scored the most goals in the history of women’s international soccer, played her last game for Canada, but Wright said it was unfortunately not a good one.
He also mentioned the high-profile pairing of Manchester United star Adriana Leon and Carpenter’s Lyon teammate Ashley Lawrence.
“They (Australia) played the perfect team, because Canada had nothing … unfortunately Christine Sinclair … offered nothing, same with Leon,” said Wright.
“(Jessie) Fleming (Chelsea midfielder), Ashley Lawrence, it was just a really bad performance. Australia blitzed them.’
Australia is expected to play a strong Danish side in the Round of 16, with the match played in front of a sold-out crowd of over 75,000 at Sydney Olympic Park next Monday, August 7 at 8:30pm.