Australia reaches Women’s World Cup quarterfinals with win over Denmark as Sam Kerr makes tournament debut

Australian players celebrate the team’s opening goal against Denmark at the Women’s World Cup.

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CNN
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Roared on by the majority of a 75,784 crowd, co-host Australia reached the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals after an impressive 2-0 victory over Denmark in Sydney.

A superb counterattacking move from Australia gave the lead, with Mary Fowler springing Caitlin Foord down the left and the 28-year-old’s low shot shot was too good Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

Try as it might, Denmark was unable to find an equalizer as it struggled to get back into the game and Australia doubled its lead when Hayley Raso guided the ball home into the bottom corner of the net midway through the second half.

The crowd at Stadium Australia had even more to celebrate as Sam Kerr, who had missed the Maltidas’ group games due to a calf injury, came on as second-half substitute to make her first appearance at the World Cup.

Australia now faces either France or Morocco on Saturday in the last eight of the tournament.

Australia’s Alanna Kennedy, center, and Denmark’s Karen Holmgaard, right, jump for the ball during the round of 16 match between Australia and Denmark at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, August 7.

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Australia’s forward Caitlin Foord scores a goal past Denmark’s goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

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Australia’s head coach Tony Gustavsson gives directions to Emily Van Egmond.

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Denmark’s players gather in a huddle before the match between Australia and Denmark.

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Australian fans cheer prior to the match between the host team and Denmark.

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England’s Chloe Kelly, center, celebrates as teammates Rachel Daly and goalkeeper Mary Earps after scoring her team’s fifth and winning penalty in a shootout during the match between England and Nigeria, at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, on Monday, August 7. England goes through to the quarterfinals after winning the penalty shootout 4-2 over Nigeria.

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Members of Nigeria’s team react during the penalty shootout.

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England’s Lauren James steps on Michelle Alozie of Nigeria and receives a red card in the last-16 tie in Brisbane, Australia.

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England’s Mary Earps makes a save.

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USA players comfort each other after being eliminated during the penalty shootout against Sweden in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Melbourne Sunday, August 6, 2023.

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Alex Morgan cries after USA was knocked out of the tournament after a penalty shoot out loss to Sweden.

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Sweden players celebrate the team’s victory through penalty shootout in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Round of 16 match eliminating defending champion USA in Melbourne on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

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Amanda Ilestedt and Fridolina Rolfo of Sweden celebrate their team’s victory through the penalty shootout eliminating defending champion Team USA.

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USA’s forward Lynn Williams, left, and Sweden’s defender Jonna Andersson, right, fight for the ball during the Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between Sweden and USA in Melbourne on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

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Megan Rapinoe of USA takes a corner kick.

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USA’s forward Alex Morgan, center, heads the ball against Sweden.

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Alex Morgan of the United States goes up for a header with Amanda Ilestedt.

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Lindsey Horan of the United States grimaces in pain after a collision.

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United States’ goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, center, takes the ball in front of the goal.

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US midfielder Lindsey Horan, right, heads the ball as Sweden forward Fridolina Rolfo challenges during the last-16 tie at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

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Taken from a remote camera, Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic dives in an attempt to save a Lindsey Horan header.

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Sweden’s Johanna Kaneryd, center, competes for the ball with the US’ Andi Sullivan, right, and Crystal Dunn.

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United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in action during the crunch knockout match.

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US forward Megan Rapinoe, left, looks on from the substitutes’ bench.

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Captain Kosovare Asllani of Sweden talks to her teammates in the huddle prior to the last-16 tie in Melbourne, Australia.

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The Netherlands’ Jill Roord celebrates scoring their first goal against South Africa during the match at Sydney Football Stadium in Australia on August 6. Netherlands won 2-0 and will advance to the quarterfinals.

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Netherlands’ fans cheer in the stands before the start of the match against South Africa.

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South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane grimaces after colliding with Netherlands’ Lieke Martens. She was taken away with a stretcher shortly after.

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Risa Shimizu of Japan celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the match against Norway on August 5, 2023 at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Japan won 3-1.

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Ayaka Yamashita of Japan dives in vain as Guro Reiten of Norway (obscured) heads to score her team’s first goal.

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Japan’s Mina Tanaka, center up, and Norway’s Vilde Boe Risa challenge for the ball during the match.

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Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal during the match against Switzerland at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 5, 2023. Spain won 5-1.

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Spain’s Alba Redondo puts the ball past Switzerland’s goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann to score her team’s second goal.

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Spectators show their support during the match between Spain and Switzerland.

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Morocco’s players celebrate advancing to last 16 after beating Colombia.

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Fans of Colombia watch their team’s Group H fixture against Morocco.

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Colombia’s teenage star Linda Caicedo, left, challenges Morocco’s Zineb Redouani during their final Group H match.

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Germany’s players react after crashing out of the Women’s World Cup.

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South Korea held Germany to a 1-1 draw but both side’s exited the tournament at the group stage.

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South Korea’s Cho So-hyun celebrates after giving her side the lead against Germany.

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Brazil’s Marta, right, competes against Jamaica’s Tiernny Wiltshire during a Women’s World Cup match on Wednesday, August 2. The two teams drew 0-0, but it was Jamaica that advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament. This was the last World Cup for Marta, the tournament’s record scorer and veteran of six tournaments.

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Jamaica’s Deneisha Blackwood celebrates with teammates after the draw with Brazil.

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Marta reacts after Brazil’s elimination.

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France’s Vicki Becho celebrates after scoring her team’s sixth goal against Panama on August 2. France won 6-3 to advance to the knockout stage.

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Panama players spend time with fans after the France match. This was Panama’s first year playing at a Women’s World Cup.

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France’s Maëlle Lakrar celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal against Panama.

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South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo celebrates her team’s 3-2 win over Italy on August 2. It was South Africa’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup, and it helped them clinch a spot in the next round. Italy was eliminated with the loss.

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South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana tries to hold off Italy’s Elena Linari.

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Italy’s Arianna Caruso celebrates after scoring against South Africa.

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Sweden’s Elin Rubensson celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Argentina on August 2. Sweden won 2-0.

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Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist heads the ball for a goal against Argentina.

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Argentina’s Florencia Bonsegundo lies on the pitch after getting injured against Sweden.

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England’s Chloe Kelly celebrates after scoring against China on Tuesday, August 1. England won 6-1 to advance to the tournament’s round of 16.

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England’s Rachel Daly, right, scores the sixth goal against China.

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Chinese forward Wang Shuang, left, celebrates with Yang Lina after scoring against England.

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Chinese defender Yao Wei, right, blocks a shot from England’s Lucy Bronze.

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Pernille Harder celebrates after scoring the first goal of Denmark’s 2-0 victory over Haiti on August 1. The win, coupled with China’s defeat against England, meant Denmark would advance to the knockout stage and face co-host Australia.

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Denmark’s Amalie Vangsgaard shields the ball from Haiti’s Ruthny Mathurin.

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Haiti fans cheer their team at the stadium in Perth, Australia.

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Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay, left, gets tangled with Denmark’s Simone Boye.

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US forward Sophia Smith heads the ball during the goalless draw against Portugal on August 1. The result meant that the Americans, the two-time defending champions, would advance to the round of 16.

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Megan Rapinoe consoles Portugal’s Jessica Silva following the draw, which knocked Portugal out of the competition.

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US forward Alex Morgan collides with Portuguese goalkeeper Inês Pereira in the first half.

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US fans show their support ahead of the Portugal match.

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US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher collides with the post.

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Referee Rebecca Welch shows a yellow card to US midfielder Rose Lavelle.

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Dutch midfielder Wieke Kaptein takes a selfie with fans after the Netherlands defeated Vietnam 7-0 and advanced to the knockout stage.

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Vietnamese players Trần Thị Thu Thảo, left, and Dương Thị Vân react after the loss to the Netherlands.

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Dutch forward Katja Snoeijs celebrates her team’s first goal, which was scored by Lieke Martens.

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The Netherlands’ Sherida Spitse, top, and Vietnam’s Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã compete for the ball.

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Australian defender Stephanie Catley, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s fourth goal against Canada on Monday, July 31. Australia won 4-0 to book a spot in the round of 16.

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Australia fans in Melbourne celebrate after the Canada match.

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Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan makes a save against Australia. Canada was eliminated because of the loss and Nigeria’s goalless draw against Ireland.

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Australia’s Hayley Raso, right, celebrates after scoring her side’s second goal against Canada.

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Ireland’s Lily Agg, right, battles for the ball with Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu during a 0-0 draw on July 31.

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Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, center, misses a chance against Ireland.

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A fan shows support for the Nigerian team during the match in Brisbane, Australia.

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Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie and Ireland’s Kyra Carusa react after a collision.

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Japanese players celebrate at the end of their 4-0 victory over Spain on July 31. Both teams are advancing to the round of 16.

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Fans of Japan help clean after the match in Wellington, New Zealand. Japan’s fans have become known in recent years for their efforts to clean stands after matches.

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Japan’s Hikaru Naomoto, top, and Spain’s Ona Batlle compete for the ball.

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Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa, second from left, celebrates scoring the team’s third goal with Honoka Hayashi, left, and Risa Shimizu.

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Costa Rican players appeal to referee Bouchra Karboubi before a VAR check on July 31. Zambia beat Costa Rica 3-1. It was Zambia’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup.

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Zambia’s Barbra Banda celebrates after scoring her team’s second goal from the penalty spot.

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Costa Rican midfielder Melissa Herrera, right, scores her team’s lone goal.

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Costa Rica’s Fabiola Villalobos, left, takes a shot at goal as Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji attempts to block.

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Colombia’s Manuela Vanegas celebrates her team’s winning goal against Germany on Sunday, June 30. The goal came in the final seconds of the match and lifted Colombia to a 2-1 victory.

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Germany’s Alexandra Popp and Colombia’s Jorelyn Carabalí battle for the ball.

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Vanegas marks Germany’s Jule Brand.

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Germany fans attend the match against Colombia.

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Linda Caicedo celebrates after scoring Colombia’s opener against Germany.

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Norway celebrates a goal in its 6-0 victory over the Philippines on July 30. The victory helped Norway clinch a spot in the knockout stage.

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The Philippines’ Dominique Randle, center, consoles a teammate after the loss to Norway. The Philippines, playing in its first Women’s World Cup, was eliminated with the loss to Norway.

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The Philippines’ Hali Long makes a heart with her hands at the end of the Norway match.

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Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel fails to stop Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen from scoring the third goal of the match.

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Norway’s Sophie Roman Haug is challenged by Jessika Cowart.

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Philippines fans cheer for their team before the match against Norway.

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Ali Riley and Katie Bowen hug after New Zealand was knocked out of the tournament on July 30. The co-hosts drew Switzerland 0-0, but they will miss the knockout stage because of goal differential.

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Bowen clears the ball in front of Switzerland’s Julia Stierli.

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Swiss forward Ramona Bachmann controls the ball against New Zealand.

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Moroccan players celebrate their 1-0 win over South Korea on July 30.

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Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina, the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup, is shown a yellow card by referee Edina Alves Batista.

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Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraidi controls the ball before shooting on goal.

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Panama’s Aldrith Quintero, right, reaches for the ball in front of Jamaica’s Deneisha Blackwood and Kameron Simmonds on Saturday, July 29. Jamaica won 1-0. It was Jamaica’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup.

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Jamaican players celebrate after Allyson Swaby scored against Panama.

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French coach Herve Renard kisses defender Wendie Renard on the forehead after her winning goal secured a 2-1 win against Brazil on July 29.

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Brazil’s Debinha celebrates her goal against France.

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Renard celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal.

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Sweden’s Amanda Ilestedt, center, heads the ball to score the opening goal against Italy on July 29. Sweden won 5-0 to clinch a spot in the round of 16.

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Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist celebrates after scoring her side’s fifth goal against Italy.

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Italy fans cheer before their team’s match against Sweden in Wellington, New Zealand.

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China’s Wang Shuang celebrates after scoring against Haiti on Friday, July 28. China won 1-0.

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Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay, left, collides with China’s Dou Jiaxing on July 28.

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England’s Chloe Kelly attempts a bicycle kick versus Denmark on July 28. England won 1-0.

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England goalkeeper Mary Earps makes a save against Denmark.

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Denmark’s Janni Thomsen, left, collides with England’s Alex Greenwood.

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Lauren James celebrates after scoring against Denmark.

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England’s Keira Walsh is stretchered off after sustaining an injury. Walsh, England’s midfield metronome, went down clutching her knee with no other player in her vicinity

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South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane slides in for a tackle against Argentina’s Mariana Larroquette on July 28. Their match ended in a 2-2 draw.

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Argentina striker Yamila Rodriguez has received criticism for her Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo, the rival of Argentina star Lionel Messi.

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South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s first goal against Argentina. South Africa led 2-0 before Argentina’s dramatic comeback.

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Onome Ebi, left, and Osinachi Ohale celebrate after Nigeria defeated Australia 3-2 on Thursday, July 27. The stunning result means Nigeria has a one-point lead going into its final group game against already eliminated Ireland, while co-host Australia faces a must-win match against Canada.

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Players from Australia and Nigeria compete for a ball in the air on July 27.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese takes a selfie with fans before the Nigeria match in Brisbane.

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Portugal forward Jéssica Silva, right, watches a shot go wide during a match against Vietnam on July 27. Portugal won 2-0, eliminating Vietnam’s hopes of advancing in the tournament.

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Portugal’s Telma Encarnação reaches for the ball during the Vietnam match.

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Vietnam fans show their support before the Portugal match.

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Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar grabs the ball over the United States’ Julie Ertz during their 1-1 draw on July 27.

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US fans react during the Netherlands match, which was played in Wellington, New Zealand.

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US midfielder Lindsey Horan celebrates after scoring against the Netherlands. It was her second goal of the tournament.

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Horan’s header tied the match after the Dutch took an early lead.

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More than 27,000 fans attended the Netherlands-US match.

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Canada’s Vanessa Gilles competes for a header with Ireland’s Niamh Fahey, bottom, and Louise Quinn during a match on July 26. Canada won 2-1.

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Ireland’s Katie McCabe applauds fans after the match against Canada.

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Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan can’t get to a McCabe corner kick that went directly into the goal to give Ireland a 1-0 lead. The incredible “Olimpico” goal came in just the fourth minute of play.

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Canadian forward Adriana Leon celebrates after scoring her team’s second goal against Ireland.

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Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso is thrown in the air by teammates as they celebrate their 5-0 victory over Zambia on July 26. With the win, Spain clinched a spot in the tournament’s knockout round.

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Hermoso, left, scores her first of two goals in the win over Zambia.

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Spain fans enjoy the Zambia match at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

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Spain’s Alexia Putellas consoles Zambia’s Mary Wilombe after the match. Zambia still had one match to play, but it was not going to be able to advance to the knockout stage.

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Japan’s Hikaru Naomoto, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on July 26. It was Japan’s second win in as many games, and it clinched a spot in the knockout stage.

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Japan’s Mina Tanaka heads the ball toward the Costa Rican goal.

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Japan fans react during the match against Costa Rica, which took place at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.

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Costa Rican goalkeeper Daniela Solera is shaken up during a play against Japan. She was able to continue.

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Switzerland players, in red, defend their box during a match against Norway on July 25. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

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Rain pours down during the Norway-Switzerland match.

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People in Indigenous dress perform during a welcome ceremony that was held before Norway-Switzerland.

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Philippines midfielder Sarina Bolden celebrates scoring against New Zealand on July 25. Bolden’s first-half header lifted her country to a 1-0 victory — its first win ever at a Women’s World Cup.

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New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson attempts to head the ball past Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel during their match on July 25.

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Bolden scores on New Zealand keeper Victoria Esson.

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Philippines fans show their support during the team’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup.

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Colombia’s Catalina Usme celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s first goal against South Korea on July 25. Colombia won 2-0.

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South Korea’s Cho So-hyun, bottom left, competes for the ball against Colombia’s Jorelyn Carabali and Carolina Arias.

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Colombia fans show their support in Sydney.

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Usme tries to control the ball in front of South Korea’s Kim Hye-ri.

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Colombia midfielder Manuela Vanegas receives a yellow card from referee Rebecca Welch.

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Brazil’s Marta, left, heads the ball during a match against Panama on July 24. Brazil won 4-0.

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Brazil’s Ary Borges celebrates her third goal during the Panama. Her hat trick was the first of the tournament.

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Brazilian fans watch the match against Panama, which was held in Adelaide, Australia.

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Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi tries to punch the ball away during a match against Germany on July 24. Germany dominated Morocco 6-0 in what was the biggest scoreline of the tournament so far.

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Germany’s Alexandra Popp celebrates scoring a goal against Morocco.

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Germany fans celebrate as their team gets off to a great start.

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Morocco’s Fatima Tagnaout runs during the match against Germany.

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Italy’s Cristiana Girelli celebrates after scoring a late winner against Argentina on July 24. Italy won 1-0.

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Italian goalkeeper Francesca Durante makes a save during the match against Argentina.

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Argentina coach German Portanova reacts during the Italy match.

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Italy’s Giulia Dragoni is challenged by Estefania Banini of Argentina. At the age of 16, Dragoni became the youngest player to represent Italy in the competition’s history.

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Jamaican players celebrate on July 23, after their 0-0 draw against France earned them their country’s first-ever point in the Women’s World Cup.

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Jamaica’s Atlanta Primus tugs the shirt of France’s Grace Geyoro.

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Jamaican goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer marshals her defense.

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Jamaica’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw is sent off for a second bookable offense against France.

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France’s Estelle Cascarino, left, and Shaw battle for the ball.

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Portugal’s Ines Pereira dives in vain as the Netherlands’ Stefanie van der Gragt, not pictured, scores the only goal in the match on July 23.

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Van der Gragt, left, and Portugal’s Jessica Silva battle for possession.

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Silva signs autographs for fans after the match.

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Sweden’s Amanda Ilestedt celebrates after scoring a late winner against South Africa on July 23. Sweden won 2-1.

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South Africa’s Hildah Magaia, who scored the opening goal, runs with the ball alongside Sweden’s Elin Rubensson.

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A South Africa fan shows support during the match.

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Danish players celebrate Amalie Vangsgaard’s late goal that gave them a 1-0 victory over China on July 22.

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China fans show their support prior to their team’s opening match against Denmark.

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China’s Zhang Linyan competes for the ball with Denmark’s Pernille Harder.

Gary Day/AP

China head coach Shui Qingxia gestures during the match.

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England’s Alessia Russo and Haiti’s Tabita Joseph fight for the ball during the two sides’ opening game on July 22. England’s Lionesses, the reigning European champions, earned a scrappy 1-0 victory over the tournament debutants.

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England’s Georgia Stanway converts the winner against Haiti from the penalty spot.

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Nicolas Delépine, Haiti’s head coach, instructs his team during the match.

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Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus jumps to make one of many impressive saves against England.

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Japan’s Jun Endo celebrates with her bench after scoring her team’s fourth goal in a 5-0 win against Zambia on July 22.

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Japan’s Mina Tanaka battles with Zambia’s Agnes Musase.

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Aoba Fujino of Japan is brought down by Zambian goalkeeper Catherine Musonda, resulting in a penalty to Japan. It was later overturned due to offside.

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Japan supporters react following their team’s emphatic victory over Zambia.

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US forward Alex Morgan is surrounded by Vietnam defenders during their opening match on July 22. The United States, the two-time defending champs, won 3-0.

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Lindsey Horan, left, celebrates with US teammate Megan Rapinoe after Horan scored the third goal against Vietnam.

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Players collide in the box as Vietnam goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh looks to clear the ball away.

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US forward Sophia Smith dribbles the ball against Vietnam. She scored the first two goals of the match.

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Fans cheer during the US-Vietnam match in Auckland, New Zealand.

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Spain’s Esther González wins a header against Costa Rica’s Mariana Benavides on July 21. Spain won 3-0.

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González scores her team’s third goal against Costa Rica.

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A Māori welcoming ceremony is held prior to the Spain-Costa Rica match.

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Switzerland’s Seraina Piubel scores her team’s second goal during its 2-0 victory against the Philippines on July 21.

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The Philippines’ Katrina Guillou takes a shot against Switzerland’s Gaëlle Thalmann. The goal was disallowed.

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A Philippines fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere. This was the country’s Women’s World Cup debut.

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Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan punches the ball clear during a 0-0 draw against Nigeria on July 21.

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Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu takes a selfie with fans after the Canada match.

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Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie clears the ball after saving a penalty by Canada’s Christine Sinclair.

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Australia’s Steph Catley, third from left, celebrates scoring her team’s only goal against Ireland on June 20. Australia won 1-0 in Sydney.

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Fans in Melbourne celebrate as they watch the match between Australia and Ireland.

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Ireland’s Heather Payne, left, tries to cross the ball past Australia’s Kyra Cooney-Cross. This was Ireland’s first-ever match in a Women’s World Cup.

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Supporters of both Australia and Ireland watch the match in Sydney. The second match of this year’s tournament set a new single-game attendance record for a women’s soccer match in Australia, with 75,784 fans watching.

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Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold makes a save.

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New Zealand’s Ria Percival and Katie Bowen, in black, compete for the ball with Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen on July 20. New Zealand won the opening match 1-0. It was the country’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup.

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Norway star Ada Hegerberg reacts after a missed chance against New Zealand.

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New Zealand’s CJ Bott, left, and Norway’s Mathilde Harviken vie for the ball.

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New Zealand fans react during the match against Norway, which was played in Auckland, New Zealand.

Andrew Cornaga/AP

Norway players huddle before the match against New Zealand.

Jan Kruger/FIFA/Getty Images

Fireworks explode during the tournament’s opening ceremony, which was held before the New Zealand-Norway match.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

The roughly 10-minute opening ceremony celebrated both New Zealand and Australia’s indigenous heritage and culture, with Māori and First Nations dancers and singers taking to the center of the field.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Abbie Parr/AP

Performers dance during the opening ceremony.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

A performer is pictured during the opening ceremony.

Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Benee and Mallrat perform “Do It Again,” the official song of this year’s Women’s World Cup, during the opening ceremony. Benee is from New Zealand and Mallrat is from Australia.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Dancers take the field during the opening ceremony.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Children hold flags during the opening ceremony.

David Rowland/Reuters

The best photos of the 2023 Women's World Cup

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With a spot in the quarterfinals on the line, Australia and Denmark began their last 16 clash in furious fashion, with both moving the ball slickly as the squads created half-chances to score.

Both had openings to break the deadlock, but it was the co-host who eventually took the lead midway through the first half.

With Denmark on the attack, the ball broke to 20-year-old Fowler who played a sumptuous ball to allow Foord to run through and rifle the ball under Christensen in goal to send the partisan home crowd wild in celebration.

Denmark came roaring back though, putting the Australian defense under pressure, with captain Pernille Harder at the forefront of most of its good attacking work. But the Matildas remained a constant threat on the break, with Foord coming close to getting her second of the game minutes before halftime.

One of the biggest cheers of the game came midway through the second half when cameras showed Kerr, the team’s captain and all-time goalscorer, warming up on the sideline; a calf injury sustained on the eve of the tournament forced Kerr to miss Australia’s opening two games and she hadn’t featured before Monday’s game.

Try as Denmark may, it was Australia who got the next goal to effectively book its spot in the quarterfinals.

Foord scores Australia’s opening goal against Denmark.

David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

It came through another counterattack as Australia took advantage of Danish pressure, with Emily van Egmond setting up Raso to blast home her second goal in as many Women’s World Cup games.

Kerr did make her tournament debut in the 80th minute, receiving a hero’s welcome as she was substituted on for Raso.

Australia fans would have had their hearts in their mouths just minutes after Kerr came on when she crumpled in an awkward-looking heap with no opposition player in her vicinity. Luckily though, Kerr seemed to be able to run off any problems and was seen joking about it after the game.

Through a combination of dogged defending, slight Danish miscues and willpower from the home fans, Australia was able to hold onto its lead and seal a place in the quarterfinals.

The Matildas have never made it past the quarterfinals stage of a Women’s World Cup but, on home soil, will be looking to go one step further when they play either France or Morocco; the two teams play in their last-16 game on Tuesday.