Australia beat Denmark to reach Women's World Cup quarters
Sam Kerr came off the bench as Australia surged into the Women's World Cup quarterfinals with a win over Denmark in front of nearly 76 000 fans in Sydney on Monday.
The co-hosts will play France or Morocco on Saturday in Brisbane after making fairly light work of a toothless Denmark.
To cap a good night's work for the Matildas, talismanic striker and captain Kerr came on with 10 minutes left to huge cheers for her first action of the tournament after a calf injury.
The dangerous Caitlin Foord ran Denmark ragged throughout and scored a fine first goal after being set up by the impressive Mary Fowler on 29 minutes.
Hayley Raso grabbed a second to make the game safe 20 minutes from time.
???? @TheMatildas picking up momentum! ??#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 7, 2023
The Chelsea predator Kerr, who was supposed to have been the face of the World Cup before injury struck on the eve of the tournament, said it was "a big relief to be back".
"I feel good. I think I was a bit rusty but, no, I feel great.
"I'll sleep better tonight than I have for the last three weeks."
The home side are thriving on growing excitement at what they can achieve at this World Cup, where holders the United States are out, opening the door for a new champion.
"I think we're embracing it, I think the girls are loving it," Kerr said of the expectation.
"The Australian public has been amazing. We’ve felt the love, just walking down the street it's been a real buzz."
‘PRETTY SCARY’
Denmark were contesting their first knockout game at the World Cup since 1995 and they had the first sniff of goal, but Rikke Madsen just failed to connect with the ball while sliding in at goal.
The Danes, ranked 13th in the
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