THE SQUIZ
And breathe… Our women’s national football team has finished at the top of their group with a determined win against Canada last night. It was do-or-die stuff but the Matildas hunkered down and got it done, beating the reigning Olympic champs 4-0 in front of a capacity crowd in Melbourne.

GEEZ THAT’S A RELIEF…
It sure is. Oz would have been proud of them no matter what – and sympathised with them over their run of training injuries, including to captain Sam Kerr. (Note: she was named in last night’s squad but didn’t take to the field.) Getting the job done was Hayley Raso with 2 goals, Mary Fowler with one, and acting captain Steph Catley scoring a penalty goal. Speaking after the match, coach Tony Gustavsson said he knew they were ready for it. “Sometimes we just feel when things are going to go right,” he said. As for how we ended up the leaders in our group after that nervewracking loss to Nigeria last Thursday… Last night, Ireland and Nigeria drew 0-0, and that suits us just fine as far as taking an advantageous spot in the next round is concerned.

HOW’S THE NEXT ROUND SHAPING UP?
You can sus it out for yourself here – but long story short, the Group games will be done and dusted on Thursday, so there are a few footie boots to drop yet… The field of 16 teams going into the Knockout stages is taking shape and will also include Nigeria, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and Japan. The other starters will be confirmed as they complete their 3 games this week. Then it’s onto the Round of 16, which starts on Saturday – and the thing to know is that from there, a loss means instant elimination from the tournament. The quarter-finals (11-12 August) and semi-finals (15-16 August) are coming up fast – and the final is in Sydney on Sunday, 20 August. Time flies when you’re having fun…