A call to arms by injured superstar Sam Kerr provided the inspiration for Australia's 4-0 drubbing of Canada, with coach Tony Gustavsson saying his team was determined to do her proud.
The Chelsea striker and Matildas captain has yet to kick a ball at the Women's World Cup as she struggles with a calf injury sustained before their opening game.
But her animated presence on the bench helped the team in their statement do-or-die win over the Olympic champions which powered them into the last 16 -- a resounding answer to the critics after being upset 3-2 by Nigeria.
Kerr had declared herself available if needed, but Australia's all-time leading goal-scorer ultimately wasn't risked as her teammates rose to the occasion and gave her extra time to recover.