Women's World Cup: Matildas player ratings from Australia vs Denmark Round of 16 match

Joshua Mayne

Women's World Cup: Matildas player ratings from Australia vs Denmark Round of 16 match image

Australia have secured their second-ever win in the knockout stages of a World Cup, defeating Denmark 2-0.

The Matildas opened the scoring through Caitlin Foord in the first half before Hayley Raso secured the result in the second stanza, sending Stadium Australia into raptures.

Australia will now face France or Morocco in Saturday's quarterfinal clash.

The Sporting News rates every Australian's performance out of 10 below.

MORE: Australia vs Denmark: Matildas book quarterfinal berth with 2-0 win

Matildas vs. Denmark: Australia player ratings

Mackenzie Arnold (GK) — 7

Reliable between the sticks, although was never particularly challenged. Had a nervy little juggle in the second half but recovered well.

Ellie Carpenter — 7

Solid again. Struggled to make her tackles stick early, but gradually grew into the game. Showcased her intelligence and good timing with a number of key interceptions.

Clare Hunt — 7

Was guilty of being passive at times but combined with Kennedy in central defence for another shutout.

Alanna Kennedy — 7

Strong aerially again and helped Australia secure a clean sheet. Let Denmark creep in on a few too many occasions but did enough to keep them out.

Steph Catley — 7.5

Gradually becoming the Matildas' most important player in the tournament. Linked up well again with Foord on the left wing and was solid defensively. Another strong display of leadership, helping steer the team into the quarterfinals.

Hayley Raso — 8

Australia's star against Canada shone again on Monday night. Whilst she didn't get as much of the ball as the left side of the pitch got, she made her chances count. Her finish for the crucial second goal oozed class, almost mirroring her effort in the last group game. 

Katrina Gorry — 8

Consistency personified. A little untidy early on but quickly adjusted to the speed of the game. Her switches of play were masterful, unlocking countless attacking opportunities. Was also useful when tracking back in defence.

Kyra Cooney-Cross — 8.5

Delivered another performance well beyond her years. Was quick and decisive all night, showcasing her uncanny ability to turn defence into attack in a flash. Created multiple chances with her piercing runs through the middle of the park.

Mary Fowler — 8

Earns a high rating for her sumptuous assist for the second goal alone. Was energetic for the entire 90 minutes and never stopped battling. Not necessarily her tidiest performance, but impactful nevertheless.

Emily van Egmond — 7

Van Egmond's lack of pace let her down on some occasions in what was a frenetic and end-to-end affair. Displayed her experience with some good hold-up play but never really set the pitch alight. Her assist for the second goal was well-considered and executed, though.

Caitlin Foord — 9

Foord arguably delivered the best performance of anyone on the field. Her finish for the opening goal was as cool as you like. From there, her confidence just grew, and she took over on the left wing. The Arsenal forward was tough, tireless and terrific. 

Cortnee Vine — 7

Substituted on at the 80th minute and was lively on the right edge.

Sam Kerr — 5

Received a thunderous reception as she came on with 10 minutes remaining. Not her tidiest cameo, but will be a good confidence boost for her and the team.

Clare Polkinghorne — N/A 

Came on in additional time.

Tameka Yallop — N/A

Featured for less than a minute.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.