80 minutes had been played between World Cup co-hosts Australia and Denmark at the Australia Stadium in Sydney when the game was perfect for the 75,784 fans and the Australian national team. The substitution of star striker Sam Kerr, who had missed the previous games due to a calf injury and celebrated her comeback, got really loud in the round.
The sporting events had already contributed to a successful day. The Europeans had taken the scepter in their hands, especially in the starting phase. Aside from a few harmless shots, Mackenzie Arnold had a quiet day at work in the Australian goal.
The perfect tactic for the perfect day
The «Matildas», which coach Tony Gustavsson had prepared for the round of 16 with perfect tactics, were completely different. The attack-like counterattack could be admired for the first time after half an hour when Caitlin Foord completed a wonderful through ball from Mary Fowler without frills.
After that, Gustavsson’s team controlled the action without ever running the risk of conceding a goal. Hayley Raso’s 2-0 lead after 70 minutes was the well-deserved reward for the concentrated performance – and at the same time the starting signal for an acclaimed final quarter of an hour with Kerr’s substitution as the highlight.
After 2007 and 2011, Australia is in the last 8 of a World Cup for the third time. At that time, the “Matildas” failed in each case against Brazil. The South Americans failed in the group stage this year and will no longer be a stumbling block. Buoyed by Kerr’s comeback and the country’s euphoria, Australia could still go a long way this time.
This is how it goes
They won’t find out who the Australians will meet in the quarter-finals until Tuesday. It is already clear that – at least in part – French will be spoken, because the opponents are identified from the duel between France and Morocco. The game will be played on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Swiss time in Brisbane (live on SRF Zwei).