Fowler fires Australia to Women's World Cup warm-up win over France

A Mary Fowler goal gave Australia a 1-0 win against France in front of a record crowd in Melbourne as the home side enjoyed a timely shot of confidence six days out from their Women's World Cup opener against Ireland.

France's loss in the friendly at Docklands Stadium came with a sting in the tail, with winger Selma Bacha rolling her left ankle in stoppage time and carried off on a stretcher.

Fowler's composed 66th-minute strike in front of 50,629 fans settled the Matildas' nerves after captain Sam Kerr and strike partner Caitlin Foord were subbed off near the hour mark after a fruitless hour in front of goal.

The crowd was an Australian record for a women's soccer match, smashing the previous best of 36,109 in 2021 when the Matildas hosted the United States in Sydney.

The crowd record will only last six days as more than 80,000 are expected at Sydney's Stadium Australia for their game against Ireland next Thursday.

World Cup contenders France have lost plenty of firepower to injury, including experienced midfielder Amandine Henry who was ruled out with a calf problem.