Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard says the Matildas can go “all the way” – with some “luck” – at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Tournament co-hosts Australia qualified for the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over the Danes in front of more than 75,000 fans in Sydney on Monday night.
Sondergaard felt his side was the “best” team until Caitlin Foord gave the Matildas the lead in the 29th minute.
“The match was decided by Australia’s effectiveness in front of goal, and our not so efficient play in front of goal,” he said.
“In very even games, the first goal is very important.”
Sondergaard was full of praise for the Matildas, particularly Arsenal attacker Foord.
We knew of the big counter-attack danger that Australia is, and especially on the left-hand side,” he said.
“You also have to acknowledge the speed (and) the power that Foord has. At the moment, she’s really a player who makes it difficult for opponents.
“She’s physically strong, she’s quick, (and) she’s a danger in front of goal.”
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Sondergaard was also impressed by Australia’s defending.
They have a very narrow block and it’s hard to play through them. You have to be aware of the danger in losing the ball because they are very, very quick on the counter attack and probably the best team here in counter-attacking,” he said
“It could be a strength, defensively that they’re very good”
Add the huge support the Matildas are receiving, and all the ingredients are there for the Matildas to be crowned world champions on August 20.
“With the fantastic atmosphere that are at the games here, with the support that they have – you feel it all over – it’s a fantastic support for them, and it gives them extra power, so of course they could go all the way,” Sondergaard said,
“Of course, they also need the luck in some situations. I wish Australia all the best for the rest of the tournament. When the host nation is successful, it brings a lot more energy.”
While the Danes’ tournament is over, the Matildas head to Brisbane for a quarter-final meeting on Saturday night against either France or Morocco.
