Ratings: Late act not enough to redeem 'poor' moment

The Matildas' World Cup hopes received a major blow after a crushing 3-2 loss at the hands of Nigeria on Thursday night.

Despite scoring the first goal of the match, Australia copped three consecutive Nigerian goals before a late consolation goal to Alanna Kennedy.

The nightmare result leaves Australia needing a win from its final group stage match against Canada to advance to the round of 16.

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Wide World of Sports' Sebastian Kalos has run the rule over the Matildas' performance and assessed the starting side along with its substitutes.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria celebrates after scoring her team's third goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Mackenzie Arnold (6): Another solid performance but was involved in the mix up for Nigeria's third goal.

Ellie Carpenter (5): Plenty of energy as always but was found out defensively at times and lacked quality with her final ball when she pushed up.

Clare Hunt (6): Another solid and composed performance, positionally sound and neat in possession.

Alanna Kennedy (4.5): Poor header back to Arnold led to Nigeria's third goal and was also caught out for from the corner for Nigeria's second goal. Pushed up front for last 20 minutes of the game where she scored late on from a corner.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Alanna Kennedy of Australia shows dejection after her team's 2-3 defeat in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Steph Catley (6): Provided her usual dangerous set pieces and was again solid at the back. Looked to push forward when she was able to and was unlucky not to score in the first half with a shot which was saved at the near post.

Emily van Egmond (6.5): Scored from a lovely cut back in the first half and was neat and composed in possession. Her impact in the midfield lessened in the second half and her poor headed clearance led to Nigeria's second goal.

Katrina Gorry (6): Played with her usual energy and covered every blade of grass. Blasted a shot just over the top in the second half but tired in the second half as Australia chased the game.

Kyra Cooney-Cross (5.5): Neat in possession but lacked incision with her passing which at times was safe rather than decisive.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Caitlin Foord of Australia reacts after a missed chance  during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane / Meaanjin, Australia. (Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Cortnee Vine (4): Hardly seen and lacked any real involvement down her side. Lacked the confidence to take her opposition player on and was subbed off in the 81st minute for Clare Polkinghorne. 

Caitlin Foord (6.5): Was involved in the first goal as she provided a lovely cut back for Van Egmond, continually tried up front and was unlucky not to score a header in the second half but lacked from any real quality service.

Haley Raso (6): An improvement from the last game where she showed her quality in taking players on and trying to create opportunities in the attacking third for Australia was substituted in the 84th minute for Alexandra Chidiac.

SUBSITUTES

Clare Polkinghorne (4.5): Came on in the 81st minute as Australia pushed Alanna Kennedy up forward. 

8. Alexandra Chidiac (6): Added much needed energy and verve when she came on in the 84th minute and was unlucky to not score with a couple of half chances.

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