FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule, results: Who are Matildas playing in round of 16?
They have been absent from the Womens’ World Cup for 16 years but will prove a formidable challenge for the Matildas in Monday’s must-win game.
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It’s decided – the Matildas will play Denmark in the Round of 16 clash for a spot in the quarterfinal – but who are the Danish team and can the Aussies beat them.
The short answer is yes, we have done it before.
The Matildas played Denmark in a friendly last October, which Australia won 3-1, with Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry finding the net.
It was a come-from-behind win and the first time Australia had recorded a win against the Danes.
But it’s a World Cup and anything can happen.
Denmark, like Australia, had to fight their way to the Round of 16, with two wins and a loss this World Cup.
Unlike Australia though they didn’t suffer a shock loss - going down to Euro champions England 1-0.
The Tuesday night 2-0 win over Haiti locked in Denmark’s battle with Australia.
Channel 7 football experts and former Matildas Heather Garriock and Elise Kellond-Knight are backing their teammates for the win.
“I think we’ve got Denmark covered,” Garriock told Channel 7.
“However, if they try to frustrate the Matildas – and that’s something that I would do – then it’s going to be a different story.”
Kellond-Knight said Australia’s pace could open up Demark’s defence.
“Our speed is so quick but what they offer in their back four just isn’t going to match that,” Kellond-Knight said.
“If I were the coach of Denmark I’d be sitting pretty deep, taking away our transition game. We like teams to have the ball, so if I were them I’d actually give us the ball.”
FAST FACTS
Denmark are ranked 13th in the world. Just three places below the Matildas.
They have played at five Women’s World Cups with their best performances being the quarterfinals in 1991 and 1995.
The Danes bowed out of the group stage of tournament in 2007 and hadn’t qualified since.
They missed out on qualifying for the French World Cup after forfeiting a qualifier against Sweden to protest a pay dispute with their football federation.
While many of the players have starred at the European Championships none of the athletes have played in a World Cup before.
They are a team on the rise, almost sneaking through to the Euros knockout stages last year.
Lars Sondergaard went back to the drawing board rolling out a new 1-4-3-3 formation.
It’s proved successful – with four wins in a row and three clean sheets in the lead up to the Cup.
CUP JOURNEY
Denmark got off to a strong start with a 1-0 win over China. They then did very well to hold England to a 0-1 loss before beating Haiti 2-0 to finish second in Group D behind England.
They have conceded just one goal this tournament – while Australia has conceded three.
Denmark have only had 27 shots at goal with nine on target – mostly on par with the Matildas strike rate.
Both sides are clearly physical with Denmark committing 32 fouls and Australia 25.
Even the keepers are on par with Danish keeper Lene Christensen stopping 30 shots this tournament and Aussie keeper Mackenzie Arnold 31.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
She is 30 years old and making her World Cup debut but Pernille Harder has been a standout this tournament.
With 142 caps for her country and 70 goals she is the Danes attacking strike force.
Pernille hasn’t had a chance to shine at a World Cup – but she is one of the best players in the women’s game.
She has spent the last year’s playing alongside Aussie captain Sam Kerr at Chelsea – announcing just before the World Cup started that she was transferring to Bayern Munich.
In her 79 appearances for the club she found the net 44 times.
Her favoured position is in the midfield – known for her driving runs and ability to create chances – Pernille will no doubt cause problems for the Matildas.
So far this tournament Pernille has one goal, one assist and has made 154 sprints – the highest in her team.
Arsenal winger Katrine Veje is also going to be a danger player. She knows our Aussie stars well – playing alongside Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in the WSL.
Veje has more than 100 international games under her boots.
She has been a key part to Denmark’s attacking game this tournament with 17 crosses.
Veje is a workhorse covering 33.98km this World Cup.
Having stared in the Champions League, Swedish Super Cup, NWSL and Danish Women’s Cup, Veje is well versed in playing high pressure games.
Australia will play Denmark at 8.30pm on Monday night in Sydney.
Our Round of 16 opponents have been LOCKED IN🔒
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 1, 2023
🇦🇺v🇩🇰: 7.8.23 (8.30 pm AEST)
ðŸŸï¸ Stadium Australia#Matildas#FIFAWWC#TilitsDonepic.twitter.com/g2iacaWDeo
10:55PM MATILDAS NEXT OPPONENT CONFIRMED
Australia v Denmark: Monday, August 7 8.30pm at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
It’s all locked in.
After England’s 6-1 thumping of China and Denmark’s 2-0 victory over Haiti, the Matildas know their next opponent in the round of 16.
Lauren James starred for England, scoring two world class goals as well as one that was ruled out for offside.
Denmark finished second in Group D behind the English, meaning that Nigeria will face the Poms in the other knockout match from the two groups.
Australia crashed out of the 2019 World Cup in the round of 16 on penalties, so they’ll be hoping to avoid that same fate in their clash with the Danes.
MY OH MY LAUREN JAMES, SHE’S DONE IT AGAIN 🤯🤯🤯
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 1, 2023
Jess Carter with the delivery. James with the cultured finish.
Chelsea connection 💙
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/u0nrZ8hu4K#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/Is1LBYd1zU
7:15PM ‘TYPICAL USA ARROGANCE’: WORLD CUP FAVOURITES INCHES FROM SHOCK EXIT
The United States survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw against Portugal, who were unlucky not to claim a sensational win at Eden Park that would have taken them through instead.
The USA struggled to impose themselves against opponents ranked 21st in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, and Portugal almost won the game in injury time when substitute Ana Capeta hit the post.
Holding on for the draw means Vlatko Andonovski’s side finish in second place in Group E.
The Netherlands go through as group winners after a 7-0 demolition of a Vietnam side who were beaten just 3-0 by the Americans in their first match at the tournament.
That means pre-tournament favourites the USA will move to Australia to play a last-16 tie on Sunday against the winners of Group G, in all likelihood Olympic silver medallists Sweden.
Nothing about their performance here in front of almost 41,000 in Auckland, or in their two previous matches at the tournament, suggests the United States will find it easy going against a side who finished third at the last World Cup.
It is just the second time in Women’s World Cup history that the USA have failed to top their group, although on the last occasion, in 2011, they reached the final before losing on penalties to Japan.
OH MY GOD! Portugal go inches away from scoring against USA 😱
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 1, 2023
The post denies Ana Capeta in the cruelest way.
USA hang on, just.
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/G5U3PK8RYX#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/JNn0jX1tgC
“Typical USA arrogance.†🤣@cannuli_13 throws a cheeky dig at @J_Mac1422 as the USWNT just get past Portugal and reach the Round of 16.
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 1, 2023
Post-game coverage | https://t.co/G5U3PK8RYX#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/bGQXrXpxCD
They had never before won just one group game, and the regression from four years ago in France is striking.
That time they won all three matches in the first phase, rattling in 18 goals without reply.
Andonovski has insisted a youthful new team will need time to find its feet, but an urgent step-up will be required if they are not to be eliminated early in the knockout phase.
The US have never before failed to reach the semi-finals in the eight prior editions of the World Cup.
- AFP
6:30PM ‘IT’S A SIGN’: MATCHING TATTOO THAT INSPIRED MATILDAS HERO
Hayley Raso and her mum Renaye have revealed the full moon that gleamed over AAMI Park indicated that Monday night would be a special one.
Turns out they were right.
Both Raso and her mum have full moon tattoos on their arm, and given there was a full moon when the Matildas faced Canada in their final group match, it was just meant to be that Raso would lead her side to a dominant win.
“On the way to the game, on the bus, I text her (Hayley’s mum) and I was like ‘full moon out’ and she was like ‘it’s a sign’,” Raso said.
Renaye also touched on the special connection between her and her daughter.
“The full moon is our thing, every time there’s a full moon we send it to each other, and I just kept looking up to the moon, just saying please come through for her, and it did,” Renaye said.
6:00PM NETHERLANDS ON FIRE
The Netherlands have dominated Vietnam in the opening half of their final group match, taking a 5-0 lead into the sheds.
As it stands the Dutch will finish top of Group E, with the USA and Portugal locked in a scoreless affair.
Five individual goalscorers managed to find the back of the net for the Netherlands who are clearly a class above their opposition.
5-0 at half-time to the Netherlands. They sit TOP of Group E. 🇳🇱
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 1, 2023
What a half of football for the Dutch.
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/Vq8uWH43ec@cannuli_13#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/WCZeFicDn6
4.15PM: BRAZILIAN LEGEND IN TEARS
Brazilian legend Marta — considered one of, if not the best female player of all time — was moved to tears when asked about her legacy in the sport on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old, whose World Cup career could come to an end tomorrow against Jamaica, has played more than 170 internationals for her country and scored 115 goals.
Marta talked about having no female footballers to idolise when she was growing up and how women’s football was not shown on television when her career started.
Marta's open emotion in today's presser as she talks about the growth of the game. "The generation that's starting now is going to take our work forward for many years to come.... This World Cup is for all of us, not just Marta." #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/AMJyzZuwO5
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) August 1, 2023
Marta was asked a question about her 20 year legacy that literally brought her to tears #BRA#FIFAWWC@FIFAWWC@VAVEL_USA@SportsBufferpic.twitter.com/MNXuMqnBPy
— Elias laradi (@EliasLaradi) August 1, 2023
3.45PM: MATILDAS STAR TIPPED FOR TOP
Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has been tipped for a move to England’s prestigious Women’s Super League after her starring role in Monday’s 4-0 triumph over Canada.
Premier League legend Ian Wright was among her admirers, tweeting: “Cooney-cross bro”.
Former A-League midfielder Stefan Mauk, who now plays in Japan, went further by predicting Cooney-Cross would join the likes of Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley in England.
“Cooney-Cross will be getting a move to the Premier League after the tournament! Top player,” Mauk tweeted.
The 21-year-old currently plies her trade in Sweden with Hammarby IF.
Cooney-Cross bro 👌ðŸ¾ðŸ‘ŒðŸ¾ðŸ‘ŒðŸ¾ðŸ‘ŒðŸ¾
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) July 31, 2023
3.15PM: STAJCIC POISED FOR A-LEAGUE JOB
After parting ways with the Philippines following their World Cup exit, former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic is poised to return to Australia.
Reports suggest Stajcic will return to the A-League after three seasons away and take charge of Perth Glory.
Ruben Zadkovich resigned as Glory coach in June and Stajcic — who was formerly in charge of Central Coast Mariners — looms as his replacement.
Reports first linked the Glory with Stajcic last month.
In addition to earlier reports and barring a late hitch, Alen Stajcic will become the next coach of @PerthGloryFC men's team now that his tenure with the Philippines at the #FIFAWWC is over.
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) August 1, 2023
2.30PM: ‘IS THAT REAL’: ENGLAND SCORER STARSTRUCK BY BECKHAM
Lauren James was left in disbelief after receiving a congratulatory message from David Beckham following England’s 1-0 win over Denmark in the Women’s World Cup.
The 21-year-old scored the only goal of the match on Friday with an excellent strike to send England to the top of Group D.
And Beckham, who made 115 appearances for the national team during his 21-year playing career, was quick to praise her for it.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Manchester United legend took to Instagram to write: “Great goal Lauren.”
The message left James completely starstruck, so much so that she even questioned whether or not it was real.
Speaking on England’s YouTube channel, she said: “I was a bit like, is that actually real?
“I was just like, am I reading that right? It was obviously a proud moment, and just a bit like wow, someone like that who’s had a great career has seen it as well.”
—Additional reporting from The Sun
1:20PM WATCH: WORLD CUP STAR’S R-RATED RANT GOES GLOBAL
The BBC has been forced to apologise after a foul-mouthed rant during Australia’s famous win over Canada was overheard at the Women’s World Cup.
During Canada’s clash with Australia – a fixture won 4-0 by the Matildas – some colourful language was used by Canada’s Allysha Chapman following a robust challenge with Hayley Raso.
The pitch-side microphones picked up the R-rated rant in the 65th minute.
Raso, 28, had attempted to intercept a loose pass into Chapman.
However, Raso missed the ball completely and ended up being clattered in the follow through by her opponent.
This left her on the floor writhing in pain.
Chapman, 34, was left unimpressed by her rival’s actions, shouting: “She f***ing jumped into me you t***!”
This prompted BBC commentator Robyn Cowen to swiftly apologise for the vulgar language.
She said: “Apologies there if any language was picked up on the very sensitive pitch-side microphones it seems.”
In what was the two nations final game in Group B, hosts Australia progressed top of the group having picked up two wins against Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
Nigeria finished second, pipping the Canadians by one point after two draws and a thrilling 4-3 win over Australia.
England need a point to confirm their progression into the knockout stages.
This story originally appeared on the Sun UK and has been republished with permission.
12:15PM CANADIAN LEGEND IN TEARS
Skipper Christine Sinclair called Canada’s group-stage exit “a wake-up call” as she bid farewell to what is surely her last Women’s World Cup.
The veteran forward fought back tears after the Olympic champions were dumped out of the World Cup following a 4-0 thumping by co-hosts Australia.
She would not be drawn on whether she plans to play for Canada when they defend their Olympic crown next summer in Paris, by which time she will be 41.
But Sinclair, the all-time leading scorer in international football and at her sixth World Cup, said fundamental changes were needed to the game in Canada and better resources.
“What you are seeing in women’s football is that teams are catching up,” Sinclair told Canada’s CBC News in Melbourne.
“This for me is a wake-up call for back home, a wake-up call for our federation and the lack of a professional league, the lack of resources for the national teams, the lack of resources for the youth national teams.
“If the resources aren’t there, we are going to fall behind. “If this isn’t a warning sign, I don’t know what is.”
Midfielder Sophie Schmidt has also surely played her last World Cup, but coach Bev Priestman said there was younger talent coming through.
“To be honest I haven’t processed that, I didn’t turn up thinking this could be their last game,” she said of the veteran duo.
“What they have done for their country, they’re absolute legends. “But the future is bright, it doesn’t feel it right now, it’s difficult, but absolutely it’s bright.
“There are players in this squad who didn’t get in yet.”
11:30AM EX MATILDAS BOSS QUITS
Former Matildas coach and current Philippines boss Alen Stajcic has confirmed he is walking away from his role at the end of the side’s World Cup campaign.
He has decided the time is right to look at other coaching options.
“I would first and foremost like to express my gratitude to Sir Jeff for giving us the opportunity and entrusting us with the keys to the National Team,” he said in a statement.
“Throughout nearly 20 months we went on a journey together as a Team from outsiders in South-East Asia to winning a match at a World Cup.
“There are too many highs to reflect on but without question, the two best experiences of my coaching career thus far were the last two World Cup matches.
“Beating New Zealand on home soil and scoring our first World Cup goal and getting our first win was the things that dreams are made of.
“And despite the scoreline, the last match against Norway, where 34000 patrons attended, with 30000 singing for the Filipinas, brought shivers down our spine.
“It showed that Football does belong in the Philippines, and that legacy is something we are all proud of.”
WANT TO TALK MATILDAS?
Adam Peacock is flying from one match to another and while he waits for the plane he’s taking your questions on all things Matildas and World Cup.
What does this win mean for Australian Football?
Will Tony Gustavsson keep his job now regardless of what happens?
Is Sam Kerr ever going to play?
You get it.
Jump on and leave your question for Adam here: https://rb.gy/2zu38
10:30AM THE WORLD CUP’S BIGGEST MYSTERY
Why, why does Mary Fowler wear gloves?
The Aussie star wears them every time she comes on the field.
The cold you might think? She’s played in the English league and we all know it’s somewhat nippy over there at the best of times but why not then just come out and say that?
Instead the 20-year-old, who scored Australia’s third goal against Canada on Monday night, is keeping us all guessing.
“I love it. I do it because it is my thing,” she told Channel 7 after the 4-0 victory at AAMI Park.
“I think it is awesome other people like to do it (but) I’m not going to say why I do it.”
9.45AM: IRELAND COACH REVEALS ROW WITH STAR SKIPPER
Coach Vera Pauw said she made the decisions after skipper Katie McCabe pleaded for substitutions to be made in the second half of Ireland’s 0-0 draw with Nigeria.
Speaking after the stalemate at Brisbane Stadium, Pauw confirmed the exchange with the Arsenal star.
“A player can ask for changes but it is up to the coach to make the decision on whether it is necessary,” said Pauw.
“She said she wanted fresh legs on. But everyone was doing so well so I was not prepared to take players off.”
Ireland were already out of the World Cup but they at least go home from their debut at the tournament with a point.
The 60-year-old Dutchwoman Pauw said she was not worried about her position. “I don’t feel this is my last game just because we are going home from the World Cup,” she said.
9.15AM: TONY’S TACTICS STILL UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Tony Gustavsson could breathe a sigh of relief as the Matildas got their World Cup campaign back on track, but not everyone was happy with the Matildas coach.
The stakes were high for Gustavsson heading into Monday night’s clash with Canada, with anything less than a victory spelling the end of Australia’s tournament ... and possibly his job.
A brilliant performance in Melbourne ensured the Matildas live to fight another day, although there were still some questioning Gustavsson’s tactics after the match.
Days after Gustavsson copped heat for his use of substitutes in Australia’s shock loss to Nigeria, Socceroos legend John Aloisi again put the blowtorch on the Matildas mentor.
“(He) definitely would have lost his job,” Aloisi said on Channel 7.
“He would have been a failure. He spoke about that leading into the game, that it would have been a failure. I still think — and I’m going to be critical here — I think Tony still should have made subs earlier.
“We are going through deep in the tournament. We only played 14 players.”
8AM: REAL DEAL RASO HAS EYES ON WORLD CUP PRIZE
Real Madrid one week. Becoming a national hero the next.
Hayley Raso wrote herself into Australian sporting folklore as the goalscoring hero who lifted Australia into the last 16 of a home World Cup.
The electric winger netted the opening two goals against Canada, inspiring Australia to a 4-0 victory which sealed top spot in Group B.
Raso signed for world football powerhouse Real Madrid earlier this month, crossing to the Spanish club from Manchester City.
The 28-year-old remains focused on Matildas glory though, saying she would turn her focus to life in Spain after the World Cup.
“It feels amazing. I’ve got work to do here. We need to get the job done here I’ll look forward to (Real Madrid),” she said.
Raso drilled Australia’s opener home in the ninth minute, latching onto a cross from skipper Steph Catley which split the Canadian defence.
She doubled the advantage 30 minutes later when she was on hand to prod home a corner which was missed by Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan.
“It feels amazing. Such a special night,” she said.
“We came out and performed so well. We had so much energy and we knew we needed to put in a really (strong) performance tonight. I think we were rewarded. Coming off and seeing the other result had fallen our way as well and topping the group. Much deserved for us I think.”
Mary Fowler and Catley rounded out the scoring on a night where the Matildas announced themselves as a genuine World Cup contender by ousting the Olympic champions.
“We knew we needed to come out with a lot of energy. We wanted to turn around the performance from the game before,” she said.
“We always fight. We’ll fight for each other. We work hard. And we had our backs against the wall and we showed what we can do when we do. Like I said, just so happy and super proud.”
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Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule, results: Who are Matildas playing in round of 16?
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