Mary Fowler sends Aussies to World Cup on high as France star Selma Bacha stretchered off 

Ireland's group rivals will begin their home World Cup in good form.

YELLOW WALL: Australia's Mary Fowler celebrates scoring against France at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Picture: WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

When the Matildas’ squad was announced earlier this month, talismanic captain Sam Kerr was defiant. “We’re ready,” she proclaimed. On the evidence of Friday night’s friendly in Melbourne, she was right. Australia’s only warm-up match on the eve of the Women’s World Cup was near-perfect preparation, downing European championship semi-finalists France with a solitary strike from substitute Mary Fowler.

With fluid counter-attacking, defensive mettle and composed displays from veterans and newcomers alike, the Matildas appear in fine form ahead of their campaign opener against Ireland next week. Expectations are sky-high, but just six days out from their first home World Cup, the Australians seemed unfazed.