The goals are unlikely to pour in.

Australia and Denmark have two of the best defenses in the World Cup finals. So much is at stake in the round of 16 that a narrow victory for either side is the most likely outcome.

Denmark has beaten China 1-0, Haiti 2-0 and lost 0-1 to England. Chances in front of goal have been few and far between in alle three games.

Denmark relies on a strong organization in the team, topped with star striker Pernille Harder being able to create the breakthrough in front of goal.

“We know what we are up against. It will be a difficult match, but we trust ourselves. That’s what you must expect when you get to the round of 16. We must hurt Australia,” Denmark’s coach Lars Søndergaard said.

Growing interest
Denmark has not been this far at a World Cup in 26 years. And a lot has happened with women’s football in recent years.

The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand breaks attendance records, and today’s match will be attended by 80,000 spectators, almost all of whom will be cheering for the “Matildas”, the nickname for the Australian women’s national team.

The reigning world champions from the USA were knocked out yesterday – by Sweden – and the breadth of women’s football has become much wider.

It’s proof that women’s football has taken hold globally and the competition has increased. The same applies to the prize money, where FIFA has raised the participant payment considerably.

Bayern Munich, Barcelona …
More players are now professionals, and the Danish players are under contract in clubs such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Arsenal, Everton among others.

Similarly, in Denmark, you see that the biggest clubs in men’s football will establish teams for women, i.a. FC Copenhagen is expected to soon establish a team for women.

The World Cup match between Denmark and Australia will be played at 12.30 pm Danish time.

A Danish victory will be a surprise. But hey, Denmark has done that before …