Australia look to avoid an early exit against Denmark at Stadium Australia, in Round of 16 at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Tournament co-hosts, Australia are chasing a fourth Quarter-Final appearance in five World Cups.
Denmark meanwhile are in the knockout stages for the first time since 1995, and will look to advance to the Quarter-Finals for the third time in their history at a Women’s World Cup.
Team News
Sam Kerr is set to start for Australia after she failed to feature in any of their Group B matches due to a calf injury.
Aviv Luik and Charlotte Grant are both doubtful due to concussion protocols, although Luik could be the closest to a return after she missed their win over Canada in which Grant suffered her concussion.
Mackenzie Arnold, Caitlin Foord and Emily van Egmond are all one booking away from missing the Quarter-Finals, should the Aussies progress to the last eight.
Denmark have no fresh injury concerns to report but Rikke Sevecke and Karen Holmgaard are both one booking away from being suspended for the Quarter-Finals, should Denmark advance beyond this tie.
When is Kick-Off?
Australia meet Denmark at Stadium Australia, Sydney, at 11:30am UK Time, live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Australia lost their only previous World Cup meeting against Denmark, which came in a 5-0 defeat in the 1995 tournament during the Group Stage (L1).
- Denmark are unbeaten in two of their last three meetings against Australia in all competitions (W1, D1, L1), although they lost their recent meeting 3-1 in a friendly in October 2022.
- The last three meetings between Denmark and Australia have failed to see either team keep a clean sheet.
- Australia’s two penalties during the Group Stage were both scored by Steph Catley.
- Two of Denmark’s three goals at this tournament have came in the 90th minute or later.
Prediction
After three contrastable performances, Australia are a difficult team to predict coming into this game because they could be as creatively lacklustre as they were in their opening two games or come out with the ruthless intensity which breezed Canada aside.
Kerr’s return meanwhile will only elevate the Aussies’ game especially if can get her on the ball going forward, which would raise serious questions for Denmark’s defence in terms of how to handle her whilst also covering threats like Hayley Raso and Mary Fowler.
Denmark though haven’t exactly executed their end product clinically to attacking chances and despite beating Haiti, they only managed nine shots across 90 minutes so a huge improvement is needed although their resilient defence could prove an issue for Australia to handle if can defend tightly.
The Danes also are yet to win a knockout match at a Women’s World Cup so for them to do so here would be a huge cupset.
The hosts though are expected to be roared on by a packed home crowd and with Kerr back, I do expect them to deliver another strong display but Denmark should at least keep this score respectable.
Prediction: Australia 2-1 Denmark
Result: Australia 2-0 Denmark
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