Australia have qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Denmark 2-0 at Stadium Australia on Monday.
The Aussies started well and it did not take them too long to score the first goal. Caitlin Foord scored for the home side after a fantastic lobbed ball from Mary Fowler in the 29th minute.
Foord did not lose her calmness and sent the ball into the net through Denmark’s goalkeeper Lene Christensen’s legs.
The match went smoothly and the first half ended with the Aussies leading by a goal. Although Denmark had few chances, none were enough to trouble Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Australia played much better in the second half as compared to the first one, and the home side found their way into Denmark’s net once again after a dominant display.
Hayley Raso scored the second for the co-hosts after blasting the ball into the net from a close range.
Fowler took a shot but his shot was blocked and the ball fell into Emily van Egmond’s feet who found Raso in the box with a short pass.
The game ended 2-0 in favour of Australia and they made it to the quarter-finals for only the second time from six attempts.
Meanwhile, in the other Round of 16 match, England eliminated Nigeria after beating them 4-2 on penalties at the Sun Corp Stadium, Australia on the same day.
Nigeria fought till the very against the super English team and took the game to the extra time.
England found it impossible to break Nigeria’s defence and could only have four shots on target in 120 minutes.
Nigeria missed their first two penalties with Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie failing to convert. Though England’s Georgia Stanway too missed her first penalty but they stood strong and converted their remaining penalties.
Remaining Round of 16 matches
August 8 — Tuesday
Match 7: Jamaica vs Colombia @ Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Australia
Match 8: France vs Morocco @ Hindmarsh Stadium, Australia