Matildas' World Cup player ratings: 'Virtuoso' star born but a legendary figure 'exposed' in final act
Matildas stars Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley and Mackenzie Arnold
Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley and Mackenzie Arnold were three of the Matildas' regulars through the World Cup, with each having their moments during what was a fairy tale run to the semi-finals.
Wide World of Sports has assessed the individual performance of every Matilda who took the field during the tournament.
Scroll on to see what we scored each player out of 10, along with analysis of their contribution.
Mackenzie Arnold (GK): 7
Showcased her outstanding shot-stopping ability throughout the tournament and came up with several impressive saves.
Her crowning moment undoubtedly came in Australia's quarter final win over France where she saved three penalties to help the Matildas to victory.
Arnold must look to improve her presence in the box as was highlighted in her mix-up with Alanna Kennedy during Australia's group stage defeat to Nigeria, though, if she is to be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the women's game.
Clare Hunt (right): 8
Was one of the shining lights for Australia during the tournament, as the 24-year-old Western Sydney Wanderers defender was a picture of composure and strength at the back for the Matildas which defied her inexperience at this level.
Her ability to close down and limit the impact of some of the most dangerous strikers in the world, including French starlet Kadidiatou Diani, only enhanced her reputation, with a move to Europe surely only a matter of time.
Steph Catley: 8
Along with Hunt was Australia's most consistent player with both her defensive and attacking quality demonstrated throughout the tournament.
Scored the Matildas' first goal of the World Cup, converting the match winning penalty against Ireland, while she also took on the captaincy role in Sam Kerr's absence.
Catley's reputation as one of the world's best left backs was only reinforced through the Matildas' run to the semi-finals, and she along with the rest of the squad will be hoping they can go one better at the Paris Olympics.
Alanna Kennedy: 6.5
Unfortunately was ruled out of Australia's semi-final and third place playoff games due to illness.
Had a solid tournament alongside Hunt besides a forgettable performance against Nigeria in the group stage.
Her experience was invaluable at the back and was sorely missed in the latter parts of the World Cup where her presence was not able to be replaced.
Ellie Carpenter: 5
Had a mostly forgettable tournament which was summed up by her crucial mistake against England, which led to the goal that turned the match against Australia.
Struggled with her distribution from the back and was unable to deliver the quality needed when she found herself in attacking areas. Her boundless energy and effort as always were on show, and she will be hoping to bounce back at next year's Paris Olympics.
Katrina Gorry: 6.5
If a player was defined by her work rate and effort then you could look no further than Gorry, who made the second most tackles ever at a World Cup with 43 while covering an astonishing 57.68km during the tournament.
Her never say die attitude defined the Matildas' campaign while she celebrated her 100th cap in the semi-final defeat against England.
At times her relentless work rate affected her passing game and distribution from midfield, as Australia at times struggled to control the tempo of games.
Kyra Cooney-Cross: 7
Was one of Australia's breakthrough stars of the tournament as her ability to pick a pass and control the tempo of games stood out throughout the Matildas' campaign.
Did struggle in the semi-final and third place playoff as Australia's midfield was overrun but can hold her head high and will be looking to be a mainstay in the Matildas' midfield for years to come.
Caitlin Foord: 6.5
Played every minute of Australia's World Cup campaign and was outstanding in Australia's round of 16 victory over Denmark but failed to contribute in a meaningful way from the quarter finals onwards.
Foord's World Cup campaign can be encapsulated in moments and for a player with the quality she possesses maybe a little more would have been expected.
Hayley Raso: 5.5
Despite scoring three goals during the World Cup it was a somewhat underwhelming tournament for Raso.
Much was expected of the winger fresh off a move to Real Madrid but besides a two-goal effort against Canada in the group stage she failed to fully ignite out wide for the Matildas.
Her touch and ability to create was mostly thwarted throughout as she struggled to isolate her defenders one on one.
