Catley,who once again led the side in the absence of injured Sam Kerr,scored a penalty in injury-time to cap the result that sealed Australia’s spot at the top of Group B.
By that point Tony Gustvasson’s team had already scored three,in a historic turnaround from theshock loss to Nigeria four days prior Catley said had prompted “a lot of talk” about what needed to improve.
“We know what we’re capable of and we know that that game wasn’t good enough,” she said. “We knew that it would take tonight to capitalise on our chances and defend well and be together and,and do the simple things well,which we didn’t do well against Nigeria.
“I can’t even tell you what the buzz was like before the game. There was a fire in everyone’s eyes and I just knew everyone was out there to do everything they could to win at all costs.”
Canada coach Bev Priestman,who was humble in defeat,said she believed the Matildas “should be probably in the top four of a World Cup” based on Monday night’s performance. It was a performance Catley described as “mature”.
“They[Canada] had a lot of the ball,” she said. “They’re an incredible team. They defend well,they keep the ball,they create chances.