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Nigeria may have just played out a 0-0 draw with Canada, but its goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie's reaction said it all.
Fists raised in elation, the player of the match — who brilliantly denied Canada captain Christine Sinclair a vital 49th-minute penalty — celebrated a performance that belied the team's 40th-placed ranking and controversy-laden lead-up.
Up against the reigning Olympic gold medallists, the Super Falcons were unpredictable, chaotic and showed blistering pace on the counter-attack, led by Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala, whose individual brilliance shone.
Add to that the fact the Nigerians were spurred on by what could have been a home crowd — with Melbourne/Naarm's migrant community showing up in large numbers to support their side — and it was an impressive outing for Randy Waldrum's team.
It was certainly a far cry from what many were expecting, given the coach was facing potential dismissal just a few weeks out from the tournament.
It also presents a challenge for the Matildas' sometimes-shaky team defence, with the team capable of much more than they showed at the most recent Women's African Cup of Nations, where they finished behind fellow African qualifiers Morocco and Zambia.
If the Super Falcons can galvanise ahead of their match against the Matildas, they will prove a dangerous opponent.
They will, however, have to contend with the loss of Deborah Abiodun, who was red-carded for a clumsy tackle in the 97th minute of the match.
By contrast, it was a disappointing start to the tournament for Canada, who has been plagued by its own off-field issues and a stoush with its governing body, Canada Soccer.
While both Sinclair and coach Bev Priestman told a pre-match media conference they were keen to leave off-field issues behind, the side played like one with an interrupted preparation.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Canada had won just one of its past five matches, with Friday's performance failing to arrest its recent slide in form.
Canada is a strong defensive team, boasting stars such as Ash Lawrence and Vanessa Gilles.
Giles produced a last-gasp clearance to deny Nigeria, after goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was drawn uncharacteristically far from the box, leaving her goal wide open.
Lawrence was also one of her side's best, but Canada too often relied on her to generate attacking drive from the back-half.
Sinclair — international football's all-time leading goal scorer — was also uncharacteristically off target, failing to capitalise on two gilt-edged chances to put her side in the lead.
The first of these came in the eighth minute, with the captain left unchecked and on her favoured side 18 metres out, but she sent the ball sailing wide.
The second came after a penalty was awarded in the 49th minute.
This time Sinclair was denied by a brilliant diving save from Nnadozie, but she will rue the missed opportunity to convert in the fashion Matildas captain Steph Catley did on Thursday night in the 1-0 win over Ireland.
But as Priestman put it post-match: "Tournament football is about moving on."
The Matildas would do well to avoid giving Sinclair the space Nigeria did.
You cannot keep a champion or good team down, and Canada is unlikely to be this flat again.
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