The Matildas are through to the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Denmark at a raucous Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso hit the scoresheet either side of half-time on a brilliant night capped off by skipper Sam Kerr returning from injury – to joyous scenes in the crowd – for the final 15 minutes.
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The Matildas will next take the field on Saturday evening in Brisbane, battling France or Morocco for a spot in the semi-finals.
And on Monday night in Sydney they proved they can win in more ways than one after absorbing early pressure, hitting back and holding strong.
“The Matildas were absolutely excellent tonight.,” former England star Izzy Christiansen said on Channel 7.
“It was not their best performance, but it was a very mature performance. It was very professional. They got the job done.”
Caitlin Foord celebrates her goal. Credit: Getty images
Denmark dominated the opening exchanges, led by captain Pernille Harder outsmarting Matildas midfield pair Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross to earn more time and space on the ball.
A brilliant run on the 10-minute mark produced a dangerous shot that narrowly flew wide.
Another effort by Harder soon after was saved by Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold – and it was then when the first half began to settle.
As play stopped for stand-in skipper Steph Catley to receive treatment for a light knock to her ankle, coach Tony Gustavsson called the rest of his XI to the sidelines for a rev-up.
The match turned towards the Matildas on the half-hour mark when the Danes turned the ball over with a wild cross that landed at Foord’s feet.
The No.9 dropped it to Mary Fowler and immediately set off down the left flank.
Fowler shook off Karen Holmgaard but was still in her own half when she was squared up by Katherine Kuhl.
In a moment of brilliance, the 20-year-old spotted Foord – by now crossing the halfway line – and threaded a brilliant ball through to the striker.
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Foord took her first touch on the edge of the box and composed herself before finishing through the legs of Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen.
The tourists continued to push for an equaliser and made the early running in the second half as well, but another superb team goal doubled the Matildas lead and all but sealed victory.
Foord showed quick feet on the halfway line before turning provider for Fowler, who showed her range with another terrific through ball.
Cooney-Cross then squared it back to Fowler, who passed it on to Emily van Egmond before Hayley Raso – hero of the victory over Canada – was on hand to smash home from close range.
It capped a brilliant team move and left the Matildas just 20 minutes away from a berth in the final eight.
While the crowd went crazy for the goals, nothing compared to the moment when Kerr entered the field with a smile on her face.
She only managed 15 minutes but nearly found the back of the net with a fizzing effort that flashed over.
“Kerr changed the game, offering us a normal No.9 (striker),” injured Matildas star Elise Kellond-Knight said.
Kerr revealed she again may not have played if the Matildas’ lead had been even larger but the second goal took the pressure off and and allowed her to test out her fitness.
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