Match Preview: Australia vs Denmark | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

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. 

The game at Stadium Australia will see the CommBank Matildas face Denmark, with both sides looking to book advance to the final eight of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

How to watch the game! Can't make it to the game? Check out the FIFA Fan Festival™ live sites to watch the game. 

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Squad News

The head coach was asked in the pre-match press conference about the return of striker Sam Kerr,“I think it was a massive boost for us to see her with the team again and touching the ball," he said. “Today we individualised to offload her a bit to be fresh for game day. It’s up to me for how to use her best."

Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Mackenzie Arnold
Defenders: Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant
Midfielders/Forwards: Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Mary Fowler, Tameka Yallop, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Katrina Gorry, Sam Kerr, Kyra Cooney-Cross

Our Opponent

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.  

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.

Pernille Harder (2nd L) of Denmark celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between Haiti and Denmark at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Pernille Harder (2nd L) of Denmark celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between Haiti and Denmark at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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. 

Goalkeepers:  Lene Christensen, Kathrine Larsen, Maja Bay Ostergaard 
Defenders: Simone Boye Sorensen, Luna Gevitz, Stine Ballisager Pedersen, Rikke Sevecke, Sofie Svava, Frederikke Thorgersen, Katrine Veje​​​​​​​
Midfielders: Josefine Hasbo, Kathrine Kuhl, Janni Thomsen, Karen Holmgaard, Sofie Junge Pedersen, Nicoline Sorensen, Emma Snerle, Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen​​​​​​​
Forwards: Signe Bruun, Mille Gejl, Pernille Harder, Rikke Marie Madsen, Amalie Vangsgaard

For all the latest news and information regarding our FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, stay updated via the official CommBank Matildas website.

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