Australia are through to the final eight of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over Denmark.
It was a packed out Stadium Australia with 75,000+ to watch Matildas take on the Danes in the Round of 16.
Denmark started off the stronger of the two sides, with Pernille Harder causing the Aussie defence some problems.
While the Matildas controlled much of the possession the Danes were finding opportunities on the counterattack.
But midway through the first half Caitlin Foord got on the end of an Australian counterattack and found herself one-on-one with the Denmark keeper.Cool, calm, and collected, Australia’s number nine slotted the ball through Lene Christensen’s legs to send Tony Gustavsson’s side into the lead.
It was a picture-perfect finish following a fantastic Mary Fowler through ball to send Stadium Australia into raptures.
The Matildas looked promising throughout the rest of the first half and looked good for their one-goal lead as they headed into the break.
It was a cagey opening to the second half with neither side able to iron out a chance, but there were a few worries for the Matildas with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold dropping a couple of balls that went her way.
Foord continued to cause all sorts of problems for the Denmark defence down the left-hand side, as she continued to get in behind.
Her persistence paid off as an attack that started with Foord eventually made its way to Hayley Raso who was standing on the edge of the 6-yard box.And just as she had done against Canada, Raso kept calm and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to double the Matildas' lead.
Just prior to the goal it had looked as though we may be getting our first glimpse of Sam Kerr on the pitch at this World Cup as she had been warming up on the sideline.
And Gustavsson made good on the promise that Kerr would play a part of Australia’s World Cup campaign bringing her on in the 80th minute to a raucous reaction from the Australian crowd.
It was a moment Australians have been waiting for since the opening group game.
She immediately made an impact as Australia looked to have more of a creative outlet with Kerr up top.
The Matildas held on for their 2-0 win and looked confident throughout as they headed into the final eight on home soil.
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