Matildas defeat Denmark to claim first win over top-20 nation in 12 months

The Matildas have gained their best victory for a year, capping their European road trip with a 3-1 win against Denmark in Viborg.

Despite conceding a shock goal after just 47 seconds Australia turned the game with three second-half goals in the space of nine minutes.

It was their first win over a top-20 ranked side since beating Brazil in Sydney last October, and arguably their most impressive since defeating Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics.

Two goals from Caitlin Foord sandwiched a stunning strike from Katrina Gorry to deliver the perfect boost before the home double-header against Sweden and Thailand next month.

“That feels very good,” said the Arsenal striker. “We’ve been building and the results haven’t fallen our way. To get the win against South Africa and tonight is huge for us and for our confidence. I am proud of the way we bounced back and turned the game around.”

A week ago, Tony Gustavsson had been under pressure. Two wins and seven goals later the narrative has changed and the coach will hope to keep the momentum swing going all the way to the World Cup.

The Swede made one change from the XI that defeated South Africa 4-1 in London on Saturday.

Sam Kerr, recovered after illness, replaced Mary Fowler with Cortnee Vine keeping her place after her two goals. Vine justified her selection with another lively outing.

The Danes were without US-based Nadia Nadim while Kerr’s Chelsea colleague Pernille Harder was only fit enough for a spell off the bench, but Australia had plenty of absentees of their own, including five cap centurions.

That, though, was no excuse for Denmark’s flying start, which came after Steph Catley was overloaded on the left.

She was unable to intercept as Janni Thomsen and Sofie Bredgaard