Australia reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 after a 2-0 victory over Denmark at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Caitlin Foord opened the scoring in the first half before Hayley Raso secured the match to set up a last-eight meeting against France or Morocco. Pernille Harder had an early run and low shot saved by Mackenzie Arnold before Australia took the lead on 29 minutes. Chances were scarce until Australia extended their lead in the 70th minute. Denmark were looking defensively strong at first but Australia took their chances and it changed the whole equation of the match. The Matildas will face France or Morocco in the Quarter-Finals on 12th August at the Suncorp Stadium.
"I'm really proud. You can't really beat this feeling. Apart from the Nigeria game, every match has just been awesome. We just want to keep experiencing this more and more. We'll enjoy this one tonight and then we'll keep a close eye on France-Morocco tomorrow. But if we play like that, I'm confident we can beat anyone."
– Caitlin Foord, Australia goalscorer
Caitlin Foord (Australia)
The match is underway.
Denmark's structure in midfield is very good, denying Australia any room to pass through.
Denmark are overloading the midfield and denying Australia any time on the ball to play their way out.
Catley is down to receive treatment. It almost feels like a tactical time-out.
The Matildas gain the appearance of territory after a long spell.
Foord strikes for Australia. They are in the lead now.
Denmark have returned to their early tempo, pinging the ball around midfield with urgency.
Gorry and Cooney-Cross now have control of the midfield.
The Matildas are 45 minutes from a World Cup quarter-final.
Sam Kerr is warming up behind one of the goals.
Denmark have begun to assert themselves in midfield again with Harder moving smartly off the ball to find space between the Australian defence and midfield.
Double change coming up for Denmark with forwards Signe Bruun and Mille Geji Jensen coming on for Sevecke and Madsen.
The crowd goes wild when they see Sam Kerr putting on her gold jersey.
Raso came up with the second goal for the Matildas.
75, 784 fans are in the Sydney Olympic Stadium to witness this. Most of them are Australian.
Australia are giving nothing away in defence.
Five minutes of added time.
The Matildas keep their World Cup dream alive in Sydney. They will be favourites against France of Morocco in Brisbane on Saturday.
