Mackenzie Arnold achieved her third clean sheet of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the host nation, Australia, advances to the quarter-final stage.
In the round of 16 clash, the Matildas triumphed over Denmark, with Emma Snerle, Arnold’s teammate at West Ham, making a late appearance as a substitute. The final score was 2-0 in favor of Australia.
With a crowd of 75,784 spectators in Sydney, Australia delivered an impressive performance that lived up to their supporters’ expectations.
Caitlin Foord, the Arsenal winger, initiated the scoring in the 29th minute by capitalizing on a pass from Mary Fowler and expertly finding the net from a narrow angle.
In the early stages of the second half, Denmark sought an equalizer, but Australia secured their victory with 20 minutes remaining when former West Ham player Emily van Egmond set up Hayley Raso of Real Madrid, who executed a precise finish.
Snerle entered the field as a substitute for her World Cup debut eight minutes before the end. However, by that point, Australia’s cohesive team effort had already put the game beyond the reach of Denmark.
Australia’s advancement to the World Cup quarter-finals marks their fourth such accomplishment. In the upcoming match in Brisbane on Saturday, they will strive for their inaugural semi-final appearance, facing either France or Morocco.