Matildas Player Ratings: See who starred and who struggled as the Aussies excelled in World Cup knockout win over Denmark
- Matildas ran out winners 2-0 in a do or die match
- Sam Kerr saw his first action at the World Cup from his home
- Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso scored for the Australians
After a nervous start that saw Denmark get the better of the opening exchanges, the Matildas turned the game around via Caitlin Foord’s first-half goal, and never looked back.
While Foord excelled along with Mary Fowler, who played a significant role in both of the team’s goals, there were some great performances on the pitch, with the added bonus of Sam Kerr finally seeing the pitch for the first time in the tournament.
This is how Daily Mail Australia rated the home team…
Mackenzie Arnold 6
Solid but undisputed in goal, save for a handful of tame attempts from distance by the Danes. He will face tougher tests as the tournament progresses.
Alana Kennedy gave her teammates a rocket after 20 minutes and it worked
steph catley 7
She posed a huge threat on the left side for the Matildas, making a beautiful team with Caitlin Foord serving as the attack lane throughout the game. If he hits the final ball, it will be hard to stop the crafty fullback.
alana kennedy 7
She gave her teammates a rocket after 20 minutes in the middle of her slow start to the game and it worked, with the Matildas finding their groove thereafter. She dealt well with the Pernille Harder threat.
clear hunting 7
Like Kennedy, he struggled to contain Harder in the opening exchanges, but grew in the game. A guaranteed performance.
Foord was imperious on the left for Australia and will play a decisive role in this tournament
ellie carpenter 6
He went for glory with a wild effort at the end, but little to criticize the fullback. A reliable presence in the last four.
Caitlin Foord 9
After that performance, many defenders will have sleepless nights pondering how to deal with Caitlin Foord. She was absolutely sensational on Monday night and Tony Gustavsson’s decision to put her on the left flank is a coup.
It doesn’t matter if he’s going left or right, he’ll find a way to dodge you and deal significant damage. Brilliant shot to score the first and was always an option on the left for her teammates.
Katrina Gorry was quieter than usual in what was a relatively subdued performance.
Kate Cooney-Cross 7
He was a live wire in midfield, dwarfing the relatively subdued Gorry. It helped set a rhythm for his side after that Kennedy joke.
Katrin Gorry 6
She got stuck but was unable to stamp her authority on the game, a slightly worrying sign for Gustavsson.
Hayley Satin 7
He didn’t reach the same levels we saw against Canada, but he showed his prowess in front of goal with a well-executed shot to put the game out of the question.
Mary Fowler is enjoying a new lease on life in the faux role of 9 for Australia
Mary Fowler 8
He appears to have found a new lease on life in the role of false nine, dropping deep to dish out delicious passes to the flanks or midfield. He played a big role in both goals and will be crucial to Australia’s campaign.
Emily van Egmond 6
He showed his intelligence with a deft hard jab for Raso’s punch, but was unable to pack the same impact as Fowler. He will sacrifice himself for Kerr when the captain reaches full physical form.
