Key events:
It’s Monday night, and the city centers across Australia are buzzing with enthusiasm for women’s football during this World Cup. The Matildas have become a transformative force in the tournament.
Updated at 13.29 BST:
The match between Australia and Denmark was of high quality, featuring two excellent teams. Australia’s counter-attacking strategy prevailed over Denmark’s possession-based approach. The Matildas defended magnificently and benefited from the outstanding performance of Caitlin Foord, who scored a brilliant opener and posed a constant threat throughout the game.
Full-time: Australia 2-0 Denmark:
The Matildas keep their World Cup dreams alive in Sydney. They will be favorites in their upcoming match against France or Morocco in Brisbane on Saturday.
Australia fans celebrate at the end of the match. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
Updated at 13.29 BST:
In the 90+4th minute, Denmark tries a long pass, but Australia’s defense, reinforced by Clare Polkinghorne, clears the ball with their height advantage. Australia secures their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.
90+3 mins: Snerle finds Troelsgaard on the right, but her cross is easily caught by Australia’s goalkeeper Arnold.
90+2 mins: The Danes are unlikely to make a comeback while Australia maintains control of the ball in the attacking zone. However, Australia misses a chance when Ellie Carpenter shoots wide.
90 mins: There will be five minutes of added time for Denmark to salvage something from the match.
89 mins: Gorry skillfully evades a challenge and plays a diagonal pass to Foord on the left. Foord attempts a shot, but it gets blocked. Australia regains possession, but Gorry’s long-range shot goes just wide.
Hmmmm, after Foord’s shot, Kerr appears to have hurt her groin while landing awkwardly.
Kerr of Australia slips. Photograph: Matt King/FIFA/Getty Images
Updated at 13.23 BST:
Harder shows her skills and determination as she tries to create an opportunity for Denmark. She acknowledges Kerr’s proficiency and attempts a solo one-two, but her teammates fail to capitalize on the chance, and Australia manages to clear the ball.
87 mins: As expected, the game revolves around Harder and Kerr. Kerr, Australia’s captain, shows her prowess by rolling past her defender and making a powerful run towards the goal. However, her shot goes over the crossbar. Nevertheless, it’s a good test for her injured calf.
86 mins: The Matildas demonstrate their ability to tackle smartly, with Gorry fouling Harder just far enough from the goal to avoid receiving a yellow card. Harder quickly gets back on her feet and continues playing, eventually sending a shot wide.
Gorry tackles Harder. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/EPA
Updated at 13.20 BST:
With time running out for Denmark, Australia remains solid in defense and refuses to concede any goals. However, in their attacks, Australia falters, evidenced by Sam Kerr’s poor touch that results in the ball going out of bounds.
80 mins: Denmark needs to come up with a plan B. They may consider bringing in Sanne Troelsgaard to provide a fresh perspective. The match lacks flow due to numerous throw-ins, free-kicks, and substitutions, preventing a consistent tempo.
78 mins: Finally, Australia’s captain, Sam Kerr, enters the field for the 2023 World Cup. The crowd goes wild as she replaces Hayley Raso. Cortnee Vine also joins the game, replacing Emily van Egmond.
The noise is deafening for the arrival of Cortnee Vine Sam Kerr.
Kerr receives the captain’s armband from Catley as she is brought on. Photograph: Maddie Meyer/FIFA/Getty Images
Updated at 13.13 BST:
Denmark is awarded a free-kick about 30 meters out. The ball is delicately chipped into the box but fails to find Harder. Australia’s defense quickly clears the ball. In midfield, there’s a brief scuffle reminiscent of an American Gladiators match, but attention soon turns to the bench.
76 mins: There’s a crowd of 75,784 spectators at the Sydney Olympic Stadium, most of them Australian. For many, it’s the best sporting night of their lives.
74 mins: Denmark’s momentum seems to have waned after conceding the second goal. Australia regains their defensive structure and fights for every ball. Caitlin Foord once again impresses by winning back possession on halfway.
72 mins: Australia’s midfielders have performed exceptionally well today. Foord, Fowler, and Van Egmond have made up for Sam Kerr’s absence, proving that they are a formidable team.
GOAL! Australia 2-0 Denmark (Raso, 70):
Raso scores the second goal for Australia, but it was all made possible by Caitlin Foord’s magnificent performance. Foord receives a difficult pass from Catley on the left wing, skillfully retains possession, dodges past defenders, and finds Fowler. From there, Cooney-Cross gets involved on the left before passing the ball to Van Egmond, causing chaos inside the box. Raso takes advantage of the opportunity and drills the ball low into the bottom corner.
Raso scores Australia’s second goal. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Raso celebrates with Carpenter after scoring. Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Updated at 13.05 BST:
In the 69th minute, Denmark wins an aerial battle and clears their lines. However, time is running out for them to make a comeback.
68 mins: The crowd erupts in excitement as Sam Kerr prepares to enter the game. She takes off her jacket, indicating her readiness to join the match.
67 mins: Australia has a dangerous free-kick opportunity. Catley attempts a trick play, similar to Sheringham’s move in Euro 96, but the pass to Fowler isn’t precise. Australia regains possession and earns a corner.
66 mins: Foord once again proves her skills by outmaneuvering Thomsen, who struggles to defend. Thomsen ends up fouling Foord, resulting in a yellow card.
65 mins: Australia remains dangerous when they attack, thanks to Foord’s contributions. Gorry plays a long diagonal pass to Foord, who showcases her dribbling abilities and crosses the ball. Van Egmond is the first to reach it, but her attempt is weak and easily caught by Christensen.
64 mins: Denmark continues to search for opportunities, enjoying territorial dominance. However, Australia’s defense remains composed, apart from allowing Harder space between the lines.
63 mins: Denmark makes a double substitution, bringing on forwards Signe Bruun and Mille Geji Jensen for Sevecke and Madsen.
61 mins: Despite committing multiple fouls, Hayley Raso has not received a yellow card yet, much to the confusion of both myself and Katrine Veje. The referee, Rebecca Welch, has chosen not to penalize Raso thus far.
Veje speaks to referee Rebecca Welch, but no action is taken. Photograph: Jaimi Joy/Reuters
Updated at 12.53 BST:
Sam Kerr continues to warm up, gradually preparing herself to join the game. She takes off her jacket, leaving only her bib on.
59 mins: Denmark earns a corner kick, which is curled to the near post. Boye Sorensen manages to direct it wide, leading to another set-piece opportunity for Denmark. Australia’s in-swinger corner is eventually cleared following Christensen’s successful punch. Foord works hard to deny Denmark a counterattack.
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