Captain Sam Kerr set to boost Matildas for clash against Denmark

Having watched most of Australia’s win over South Africa from the bench, Sam Kerr looms as the Matildas’ trump card against Denmark.

Sam Kerr (left) congratulates teammate Emily Gielnik in Australia’s win over South Africa. Picture: Paul Harding / Getty Images

A fresh Sam Kerr looms as a key factor in the Matildas’ bid for back-to-back wins when they meet Denmark in Viborg on Wednesday morning.

Feeling unwell, the star striker was used off the bench for less than 10 minutes in Australia’s 4-1 weekend victory over South Africa in London.

Provided she has fully recovered, captain Kerr will provide some fresh legs for a Matildas side being forced to back up quickly against a Danish team which didn’t play on the weekend.

“That’s the challenge, because Denmark have had eight days of training (for the match) and we now have to travel and have one day to prepare for that game,” Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said after side’s weekend win.

“The five-day preparation was the key for this game (against South Africa). Now we have a huge challenge in front of us … but the confidence we’ll get from this (win) will help us.”

Sam Kerr (right) replaces Katrina Gorry during Australia’s win over South Africa. Picture: Paul Harding / Getty Images

Ranked 17th in the world, Denmark is set to provide the Matildas with a much tougher assignment than they faced against the South Africans.

However, Gustavsson said critics of him and his side “needed to have the right perspective about this type of win”.

“If they had already made up their mind about me or the team, they could argue that South Africa was ranked 54th and show some disrespect to South Africa, but we knew we were playing against the African champions and a team that really challenged the big teams,” he said.

“We dominated from minute one to 90 and in that sense, I think it was an impressive performance.

“Having that type of solid performance against them, at least internally, is definitely going to bring even more momentum.”

Goalkeeper Lydia Williams will again be sidelined with an ankle injury, opening the selection door for Teagan Micah, who started against South Africa, or Mackenzie Arnold.

Denmark v Matildas

Wednesday, 3am (AEDT)

Viborg Stadium, Denmark

Broadcast: Paramount+