Matildas hailed for heartwarming hug, sportsmanship after beating Denmark

The Matildas have been praised for classy acts of sportsmanship towards Denmark that showed they know how to win the right way.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 07: Ellie Carpenter of Australia consoles Signe Bruun of Denmark following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Denmark at Stadium Australia on August 07, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images )

The Matildas have been praised for their sportsmanship after defeating Denmark 2-0 and knocking them out of the World Cup.

Australia have equalled their best ever result at a FIFA World Cup after the Matildas booked their spot in the quarterfinals for the fourth time in their history.

After a nervy opening 15 minutes, the home side opened the scoring when a beautiful through ball from Mary Fowler perfectly set up Caitlin Foord, who nutmegged Denmark’s keeper and hit the back of the net.

Hayley Raso then put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute when she made it 2-0 with her third goal of the tournament.

Sam Kerr came on with 10 minutes remaining for a run around, although she gave Aussie fans a fright when she slipped over in the dying stages.

It was as perfect a performance you could have hoped for from the Matildas, who showed how to win the right way after the final whistle was blown.

Ellie Carpenter consoles Denmark's forward Signe Bruun. (Photo by STEVE CHRISTO / AFP)

This hug would make the coldest heart melt (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The players celebrated respectfully and consoled devastated Denmark players in touching scenes at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

Defender Ellie Carpenter shared a heartwarming hug with distraught Danish striker Signe Bruun, with the former Lyon teammates also swapping jerseys after the game.

The two former teammates swapped jerseys. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images )

Sportsmanship at its best. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images )

Reserve goalkeeper Teagan Micah embraces Sanne Troelsgaard of Denmark.

The Matildas are all class. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images )

Several other Matildas players were seen consoling their Danish opponents in classy acts of sportsmanship.

Carpenter was also spotted embracing Canadian players after Australia knocked the Olympic champions out with a 4-0 win in the group stage.

#Matildas such sportswomenship consoling the other team

— Steve More (@ourlifecoach) August 7, 2023

First thing I noticed as soon as FT was called was Raso instantly going around comforting all the Danish players that were guttered just like she did with the Canadians last game. It's such a little example of sportsmanship but it's why we love her.#Matildas#TillItsDone#WWC23

— Reece Hart (@RAHart21) August 7, 2023

Channeling Ellie Carpenter and Straya giving heartbroken Canada a consoling and loving hug 🤗 #Matildas#WishBothHomesCouldAdvance#FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/5Pj63IG2DQ

— David Hermolin (@dhermolin) July 31, 2023

In more touching post-match scenes, Kerr embraced her girlfriend Kristie Mewis in the stands just 24 hours after the USA star’s tournament was ended despite her nailing her penalty against Sweden.

The comfortable win over Denmark means the Matildas have equalled their best ever result at a World Cup, backing up quarterfinal appearances in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

But it feels like they still have plenty more to give and fans are daring to dream they can go all the way after giants USA, Germany and Brazil were knocked out.

The Matildas will face either France or Morocco in the quarterfinal in Brisbane on Saturday at 5pm AEST.