Three second-half goals secure Matildas 3-1 win over Denmark

Two wins in two matches in Europe have the Matildas buzzing again and the goals are flowing, including a superb strike from Katrina Gorry.

Caitlin Foord celebrates scoring against Denmark. Picture: Jan Christensen / Getty Images

The Matildas’ 3-1 away win over Denmark is proof Australia’s hard work ahead of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup is paying off, according to assistant coach Mel Andreatta.

Three second-half goals in Viborg on Wednesday morning (AEDT) propelled the Matildas to their first victory over a top-20 side in 12 months.

Two goals from Caitlin Foord came either side of a superstrike from Katrina Gorry in a brilliant 10-minute passage of play to raise confidence ahead of a home double-header against Sweden and Thailand next month.

“That feels very good,” Foord said.

“We’ve been building and the results haven’t fallen our way. To get the win against South Africa and tonight is huge for us and for our confidence. I am proud of the way we bounced back and turned the game around.”

3 goals in two games in green & gold! 🔥

🎥: @ParamountPlusAU#WeAreMatildas#[e-mail]/MLzmNjdMyM

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 11, 2022

It capped a perfect two-match stretch for coach Tony Gustavsson’s side, which recorded two wins and netted seven goals, first against South Africa in London and then the Danes, who had been expected to win at home after beating Australia 3-2 in June last year.

Gustavsson’s assistant, Andreatta, said: “(Sixteen) months ago we played this team, and it shows the work that we’ve done behind the scenes on building depth across the squad and really believing in our principles.

“I hope all of Australia, and everyone else outside our circle, can really see the fruits of that labour now. We all believe in it and we really feel we deserve that result.

“We’ll celebrate now, but I’m sure we’ll quickly turn our attention to the next window at home and get to enjoy playing well again in front of our home fans.”

The victory came after the Matildas conceded the opening goal after just 47 seconds, before turning the game with three second-half goals.

“We’ll take learnings from the first half, but we were very happy with the second half, for sure,” Andreatta said.

It was the Matildas’ first win over a top-20 side since beating Brazil in Sydney last October.

Captain Sam Kerr, who missed the 4-1 weekend win over South Africa through illness, replaced Mary Fowler in the only change to Australia’s starting side. Cortnee Vine kept her place after her two goals against South Africa.

Originally published as Three second-half goals secure Matildas 3-1 win over Denmark