At the completion of the group stage, the Aussie Stingers found themselves third in their group, having to go up against a confident Canada who had who significant wins to their name.

With that ‘never back down’ attitude Aussies are known for, the Stingers came out of the blocks firing, with Hannah Buckling opening the scoring with the first possession after the sprint was won by Keesja Gofers.

A missed shot by the Canadians, followed by an assist from goalkeeper Gabi Palm, Buckling scored again on a quick counter-attack. A minute later, captain Rowie Webster earned an exclusion, with Gofers converting to bring the Aussie up to a great 3-0 lead. Canada was able to get one past the goalie before the first break to bring scores to 3-1.

The second quarter saw only a goal apiece as the teams found themselves in a wrestling match with a number of exclusions and blocked shots before the first goal was scored by Canada. The Aussies got their one back towards the end of the quarter to bring scores to 4-2 at the halftime break.

The third quarter was much of the same with the Stingers not being able to capitalise on as many opportunists as they would have hoped for.

The Canadians found the momentum to level the scores halfway through the period with two goals. Late in the quarter, Amy Ridge and Buckling for her third found the back of the net to regain the Aussie’s lead before heading into the final quarter.

Young goalie, Palm remained calm and composed throughout the match as she repelled whatever the Canadians threw at her.

 ​The fourth quarter saw the scoring see-saw, goal-for-goal with the Aussies managing to regain their two-goal lead before Webster netted a final goal in the dying seconds to have the Stingers take the win 9-6.

MVP honours was awarded to Hannah Buckling who was on fire with 4 of the Aussies nine goals.

With the Stingers now through to the semi-finals, they will face home-side Russia again in a rematch for a place in the Gold Medal match.

In other games, Spain defeated New Zealand 17-3, the United States defeated China 15-5 and Russia defeated the Republic of South Africa 26-0.

Playoff games for 5-8 positions will see New Zealand take on China, while Canada will take on the Republic of South Africa.

The semi-finals will see Spain take on the mighty United States, while the Aussies will be ready for their rematch with Russia.

GAME 4: AUS V CAN RESULTS (QF)

Australia 9 Canada 6

Qtr time scores: 3-1; 1-1; 2-2; 3-2

Shots on Goal: AUS 9/27 - CAN 6/23

Extra Man: AUS 2/4 - CAN 2/6

AUSTRALIA: 1. Lilian Hedges, 2. Keesja Gofers (2), 3. Hannah Buckling (4), 4. Bronte Halligan, 5. Isobel Bishop (1), 6. Bronwen Knox, 7. Rowie Webster (1), 8. Amy Ridge (1), 9. Zoe Arancini, 10. Alice Williams, 11. Morgan Baxter, 12. Pascalle Casey, 13. Gabriella Palm (5/11)

Full Game Stats: http://www.livewaterpolo.com/92229/summary

AUSTRALIA’S FINA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Day 5 Saturday, 8 September - AUS vs RUS 4.30pm (7 September 9:30pm AEST)

Day 6 Sunday, 9 September – TBC