After Losing 3-2 To Nigeria, Australia Knockout Denmark To Reach Quarter-Finals

The co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Australia, have proven that their 3-2 defeat to the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the group stage of the competition was just a fluke.

A few days after the defeat, Australia went on to defeat reigning Olympics champions, Canada, 4-0 in their last group stage as they finished top of Group B, a point ahead of second-placed Nigeria who drew their last group game against the Republic of Ireland.

Earlier today, August 7, 2023, while the Super Falcons crashed out of the tournament 4-2 on penalties against England in the round of 16, Australia progressed to the quarter-finals after showing their supremacy by beating Denmark 2-0 with ease.

In the jam-packed Stadium Australia, Caitlin Foord gave the Matildas the lead in the 29th minute by finishing from a tight angle after a superb pass from Mary Fowler.

After an excellent movement from Emily van Egmond, Hayley Raso added a second in the 70th minute with a powerful finish.

Australia has only ever advanced to the round of eight at a World Cup once, in 2015, losing their other four knockout appearances over the years.

Despite a sluggish start against Denmark, the crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney went wild after Fowler’s brilliant move set up Foord’s opening goal. Invigorated by their goal, the Matildas controlled the remainder of the half.

Following the restart, the Danes surged forward as Foord broke through from the left and sent the ball to Van Egmond, who set up Raso to comfortably score her third goal of the competition.

With less than 10 minutes left in the match, Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson introduced captain Sam Kerr, who received a standing ovation as she replaced Raso.

Kerr who just recovered from a calf injury didn’t have to do much in the game as Australia sealed their place in the quarter-finals round.

On Saturday, Australia will play against either France or Morocco in the quarter-finals.