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The co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Australia exploded to live on the final day of the group stage when they trashed Canada 4-0. The Matildas put themselves in a tough spot after losing their second game 2-3 vs Nigeria. Their reaction couldn’t have been more convincing though and they enter the knockouts as one of the main contenders to go all the way. Now they are up against a Denmark team that has never won a knockout World Cup game before. Here are our Australia women vs Denmark predicted lineups and the latest team news.
The game is scheduled for Monday, August 07th and will be played in Sydney, Australia at the ANZ Stadium. The kick-off time is 11:30 am GMT.
Australia women predicted lineup: Are the Matildas ready to tango?
The Matildas responded in the most convincing of ways to their shocking defeat vs Nigeria. Put under pressure and in need of a win they trashed Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in their final game of the group and with 2 wins in 3 they finished first. Despite missing their best striker Sam Kerr in all 3 group matches the Aussies found a way to win twice.
Their confidence will be sky-high now and they have every reason to back themselves after being able to win 11 of their last 13 internationals. Oh, and guess what Sam Kerr is back!
Team news
The influential Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, arguably Australia’s best forward, is finally over a calf injury and she will likely be introduced off the bench for her first minutes of this World Cup. The Matildas are a different beast to handle when Kerr plays, so watch out for them scoring goals at will once she steps on the grass.
Coach Gustavsson is likely to stick to the same starting lineup he selected for the Canada game though. Kerr is not still fit for the full 90 minutes, so it’s more likely she will come on around the hour mark.
Australia Predicted Lineups (4-4-2):
Arnold – Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley – Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord – Van Egmond, Fowler
Denmark predicted lineup: How harder can Harder push?
Denmark’s first appearance at a World Cup since 2007 has been solid so far. Wins over China (1-0) and Haiti (2-0) were enough for the Danes to reach the knockouts. Even in their 0-1 loss vs England, the Danish women were competitive.
Denmark’s experience is very limited though and they have never won a knockout World Cup game in their history. This is the first time since 1995 they made it out of the groups so no player knows what that feels like. So, it’s uncharted waters for them from now on.
An interesting stat shows that Denmark women have now played 30 consecutive matches without registering a draw. Could it be wise of them to play for one now if they get the chance?
Team news
Denmark’s main striker Harder scored the vital first goal in the last game vs Haiti and she has been Denmark’s most productive player up front. She should lead the line from the off again. The Everton playmaker Holmgaard is likely to play much deeper as the Danes brace themselves for withstanding pressure.
Denmark are enjoying a clean bill of health and they have no suspended players either.
Here is how we think Denmark will line up in this opening game.
Denmark Predicted Lineups (4-3-3):
Christensen – Sevecke, Pedersen, Boye, Veje – Hasbo, Holmgaard, Kuhl – Thomsen, Madsen, Harder
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