The Matildas have enjoyed a hard fought 2-0 victory over Denmark in their FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 match in Sydney.
Goals to Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso ensured the Matildas progressed to a quarter-final match against either France or Morocco on Saturday in Brisbane.
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And Sam Kerr finally played her first minutes on a memorable night.
7NEWS.com.au rates every Matildas player from the exciting victory over Denmark.
18. Mackenzie Arnold – 8
The Matildas goalkeeper was tested early in the match as she produced a smart save at the near post from a Denmark corner. A solid performance in goals as she commanded her area well and did everything that was expected of her.
7. Steph Catley – 8
Another flawless performance from Catley as she continued to step up in her role as captain when Kerr started the match on the bench. Combined brilliantly with Foord throughout the match as their link-up play caused numerous problems for the Denmark defence.
Steph Catley produced another stellar display. Credit: Matt King – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
14. Alanna Kennedy – 7
Kennedy was the anchor in the defence for the Matildas and combined well with Clare Hunt. Her physical presence at centre-back kept the Danish attack at bay throughout the match.
15. Clare Hunt – 8
Another good game from Hunt, who continues to thrive in her centre-back partnership with Kennedy. Helped get the Matildas on the attack and was strong when carrying the ball forward from defence.
21. Ellie Carpenter – 7
Carpenter did everything expected of her as others shone around her. Produced a blazing shot over the bar in injury time.
19. Katrina Gorry – 9
The tough-tackling midfielder put in another physical and commanding performance. The defensive work that Gorry got through during the match was crucial for the Aussies. Came up with an important tackle early in the second half as Denmark started strongly and pushed for an equalising goal.
Hayley Raso and Emily Van Egmond celebrate after the win. Credit: Getty Images
23. Kyra Cooney-Cross – 8
Cooney-Cross produced a brilliant performance in midfield for the Matildas. Looked comfortable on the ball and controlled the midfield well with Gorry and allowed van Egmond to push forward and join the attack.
10. Emily van Egmond – 8
The silky skilled midfielder had another impressive game for the Matildas. Van Egmond played a crucial role in the Matildas’ second goal as she stayed calm and composed in the box with a defender on her back as she laid the ball off to Hayley Raso, who slotted the ball into the net. Had a good chance to put the Matildas two goals ahead in the 65th minute when her back heel from a Foord cross was saved by the Denmark goalkeeper.
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16. Hayley Raso – 7
Raso started the game brightly with her pace down the Matildas right wing causing trouble for the Denmark defence. Continued her goal-scoring form when she scored the second goal for the Matildas with a nice low finish inside the far post in the 70th minute.
9. Caitlin Foord – 10
Opened the scoring for the Matildas with a calm and composed finish after running onto a Mary Fowler through ball. The Matildas striker hit a low shot along the ground through the legs of the Denmark goalkeeper after cutting in from the left. Looked dangerous all game as she combined well with Steph Catley down the Matildas left wing with her fast feet and tricks proving a handful for the Denmark defence.
Caitlin Foord opens the scoring for the Matildas. Credit: Getty Images
11. Mary Fowler – 10
Fowler was instrumental in the Matildas opening goal as she won the ball in the midfield, went on a strong run and produced a brilliant pass for Foord who scored with a neat finish. The young gun played a crucial role in the Matildas second goal as she played the ball to van Egmond in the box.
Substitutions:
5. Cortnee Vine – 5
Came on in the final 10 minutes with little impact.
20. Sam Kerr – 6
Came on in the 79th minute to a rapturous applause from the Sydney crowd as she made her return from injury and replaced van Egmond. Produced a strong run and fired a shot over the bar that had the crowd on their feet in the 86th minute.
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4. Clare Polkinghorne – 5
Came on in injury time to tighten up the Matildas defence.
13. Tameka Yallop – N/A
Came on in the closing seconds of the match.
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