Mary Fowler
After a tense opening 15 minutes, the home side opened the scoring when a beautiful through ball from Fowler perfectly set up Foord, who nutmegged Denmark’s keeper and hit the back of the net. Hayley Raso then put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute when she made it 2-0 with her third goal of the tournament. Sam Kerr came on with 10 minutes remaining for a run around, although she gave Aussie fans a fright when she slipped over in the dying stages.
Australia have now equalled their best ever result at a FIFA World Cup after the Matildas booked their spot in the quarterfinals for the fourth time in their history.
Bankstown City Lions FC Women’s Convenor Denise Hinton said that when Fowler set up the goal for Foord, the Lions family at the grounds cheered till they were hoarse.
“One of our U13 girls’ group chats read, ‘that goal was made in Bankstown’, it was such an exciting night,” she said.
“With so many big names now out of the Cup like Germany, Italy and Argentina, anything is possible and we would love to see them win.”
Bankstown District Amateur Football Association’s (BDAFA) General Manager Leanne Millar did not have much of a voice left either after cheering the Matildas on but said it was as perfect a performance you could have hoped for from the Matildas.
“It was an amazing effort,” she said.
“They are really doing the country proud; Foord and Raso were outstanding and Fowler worked so hard in the middle to get the job done.
“They’ve shown their ability now against Canada and Denmark and going forward it won’t be easy, but I feel they’ve certainly got what it takes to go all the way.”
The Matildas next take on either France or Morocco in Brisbane on Saturday night.
