Haley Raso made her goalscoring debut in a Women’s World Cup match at the perfect time, scoring a first-half brace as hosts Australia beat Canada 4-0 on Monday to stay in contention.

The Matildas, whose other goals came from Mary Fowler and Steph Catley in the second half, finished first in Group B and progressed to the knockout stages at the expense of the Olympic champions.

Australia had to win by a yes or a yes to certify their advance to the next round. They did it brilliantly playing in front of almost 28,000 of their compatriots in Melbourne,

Forced to avoid defeat so as not to be left behind, Canada said goodbye to the tournament after sinking to third place, behind Australia and Nigeria.

After missing the first two World Cup matches with a calf injury suffered just before the debut, Australian star Sam Kerr was included in the squad for the Group B clash. But he was left on the bench of substitutes. The closest thing to the pitch was handing out drinks to her teammates.

The Canadians became the first defending Olympic champions to lose in the ensuing Women’s World Cup group stage.

Australia’s progress in this tournament ensures it won’t be the first Women’s World Cup without a host in the knockout stage.

“I’m proud, it’s a privilege to lead them,” Australia coach Tony Gustavsson said. “The way they responded, after so much talk about Sam (Kerr). They stayed true to their idea, high pressing and attacking football. Beat the Olympic champions 4-0 in a do or die match.”

Australia took the lead after nine minutes thanks to Raso’s opening goal from a Catley cross. The goal was canceled at first instance for offside, but declared valid after consulting the VAR.

Raso moved to 39 taking advantage of the dismissal after a corner kick taken by Kyra Cooney-Cross.

On another left cross from Catley, Fowler added Australia’s third goal in the 58th.

After adding two assists, Catley sealed the victory in stoppage time by converting her second penalty of the tournament after Canadian midfielder Jessie Fleming brought down Katrina Gorry on the edge of the box.

Thanks to a win over Canada and Nigeria’s 0-0 draw with Ireland, Australia led Pool B with six points. Nigeria grabbed second place with five units.

Canada’s elimination means striker Christine Sinclair, who at 40 is the national football team’s top scorer with 190 goals, leaves the World Cup without scoring a single goal in Australia.

“It’s the end of our World Cup, but we have to give Australia all the credit. They were superior, with a large fan base. I can’t fault my players,” said Canada coach Bev Priestman.

In a tournament that has seen record attendance figures, the host team are now buoyed by the possibility that Kerr could make his debut in the round of 16. Other hosts New Zealand bid farewell after drawing 0-0 against Switzerland on Sunday.