Australia and Denmark to meet for erth in the World Cup quarter-finals

Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard is confident his side can “deal with” Sam Kerr if the Matildas captain is fit enough for their World Cup clash.

Denmark players celebrate during their win over Haiti. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard is confident his side can “deal with” Sam Kerr if the Matildas captain is fit enough to make her first appearance of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday at Stadium Australia.

The Matildas will meet the Danes for a spot in the quarter-finals after Sondergaard’s team finished second in Group D following a 2-0 win over Haiti in Perth on Tuesday night.

Denmark finished three points behind Group D winners England, who thrashed China 6-1 in Adelaide.

England will head to Brisbane to face Nigeria ­– who finished second in Group B behind Australia ­ – on the same night as the Matildas’ meeting with the Danes.

Denmark’s Pernille Harder celebrates with teammates. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Midfielder Pernille Harder scored from the penalty spot to give Denmark a first-half lead over Haiti, with substitute Sanne Troelsgaard sealing the win with a stoppage-time goal.

The Matildas beat Denmark 3-1 in Viborg in October last year, with forward Caitlin Foord scoring twice and midfielder Katrina Gorry also finding the back of the net for the winners.

The teams also met in June 2021, with Denmark winning 3-2 in Horsens.

“We have played Australia twice in the last couple of years, and Sam Kerr played in both of those games, so we know how to deal with her,” Sondergaard said.

“Even though it’s difficult, we know how she plays. We know she can be out of a game and then suddenly she’s in the right place at the right moment.

“Of course you have to have an eye on her, if she’s fit of course.”

Sondergaard was highly impressed by the Matildas’ display – without Kerr, who has a calf injury – in their 4-0 thrashing of Canada earlier this week in Melbourne.

“Their performance against Canada was perfect in a way,” he said.

“The whole nation are standing behind them, and I think that’s important for them ... (but) it could also be pressure if the game goes into the second half and it’s still 0-0.

“I think we have a good chance, but we also know it’s going to be difficult, and we’re looking forward to the game.”

Originally published as Australia and Denmark to meet for erth in the World Cup quarter-finals