Australia takes on Denmark in their Round of 16 clash on Monday, 7 August (8:30 pm AEST), with both teams fighting for a place in the quarter-finals.
We take a closer look and put Denmark under the microscope ahead of our clash.
Current FIFA Ranking: 15
FIFA Women’s World Cup Appearances: 5 (1991 China, 1995 Sweden, 1999 USA, 2007 China, 2023 Australia & New Zealand)
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Qualification Record
Played: 8
Wins: 8
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Goals scored: 40
Goals conceded: 2
Denmark qualified for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup since 2007 after topping Group E in the UEFA qualification, a perfect record in the group stage saw the side record 8 wins while only conceding two goals.
The side’s top goalscorer in qualification was Signe Bruun with 13 goals to her name that helped Lars Søndergaard’s side book their ticket to the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Key players
Denmark’s most notable figure is their skipper Pernille Harder, with the midfielder scoring her first FIFA Women’s World Cup goal from the spot in her side’s 2-0 win over Haiti that saw the side finish second in Group D.
Harder has played her club career across Germany with Wolfsburg before breaking the record fee with a three-year move to Chelsea. The midfielder has now made her return to the Bundesliga, switching Wolfsburg’s green for Bayern Munich’s red for the season ahead.
The side’s most capped player, Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen with 178 appearances for her country, also found the back of the net for the first time in Denmark’s victory over Haiti.
Lastly, defender Katrine Veje with 148 appearances for Denmark will be a familiar face to WSL fans, now playing with Everton alongside Aussie Clare Wheeler.
Veje has played every minute of Denmark’s 2023 campaign, occupying left back for Søndergaard’s side.
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Head Coach
Lars Søndergaard has been head coach of the Denmark women’s national team since 2017, signing a contract through to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2021.
The head coach led Denmark to qualification for a FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, helping the side remain undefeated in qualification.
Søndergaard’s coaching career began back in 1996, with time spent at Danish side Aab as a youth coach as well as an assistant.
Previous Meeting
Australia and Denmark’s last meeting was in October 2022, with the Matildas coming from behind to record a 3-1 win over Denmark, their first-ever win over the European side.
After falling behind early through a Karen Holmgaard opener, a brace to Caitlin Foord and a strike from distance from Katrina Gorry sealed the victory.
Recent Form
Denmark recorded two victories in their Group D games, kicking off with a 1-0 win over China PR in Perth. Amalie Vangsgaard scored the matchwinner in the 90th minute to seal all three points for the side in their opening game.
A tough test in their second game saw them fall 1-0 to EURO Champions Denmark, with Lauren James’ goal in the first half the difference between the two sides.
With a spot in the Round of 16 within reach the side recorded their second win of the group stage with a 2-0 win over Haiti in Perth. Harder opened the scoring from the spot to give Denmark the lead heading into the break.
The 10th minute of second-half stoppage time saw Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen double the Red and White’s lead and ensure a spot in the knockout stages.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ – Round of 16
Australia v Denmark
Date: Monday, 7 August 2023
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Kick-Off: 8:30 pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Optus Sport and Channel 7
How to Watch
