SYDNEY — Going into this year’s Women’s World Cup, the entire Denmark national team had played in a World Cup for a combined zero minutes. After not qualifying for the tournament the past 16 years, the Danes are back.
The Red and White got off to a nice start in Group D, with a 1-0 victory over China. Now the team is feeling more calm and confident ahead of its match Friday against European champion England at Sydney Football Stadium.
“We know what to expect now,” Denmark captain Pernille Harder said. “We definitely settled our nerves a bit.”
That win was thanks to one of the players with little international experience at all, striker Amalie Vangsgaard. In just her 10th international appearance, she scored her first international goal with a header in the 89th minute off a corner kick.
“I couldn’t be happier for her, for the team, that she decides to score the first goal in exactly this game, against China,” Denmark coach Lars Søndergaard said. “It means a lot for her, it means a lot for the team.”
Several of Denmark’s players do have significant international experience, with 10 players with over 30 caps. Sixteen of the players at the Women’s World Cup were on the roster for the 2022 Euros, where Denmark went 1-2.
For a nation that hasn’t played on this stage since 2007 and has never won more than one match at the tournament, Friday’s match against England could make a statement for Denmark.
Denmark’s Amalie Vangsgaard celebrates with Pernille Harder, right, and Josefine Hasbo, foreground,after scoring the opening goal during the Women’s World Cup Group D soccer match between Denmark and China at Perth Rectangular Stadium, in Perth, Australia, Saturday, July 22, 2023. Credit: AP/Gary Day
“It’s a fantastic occasion for us,” Søndergaard said. “We know it’s going to be difficult. We are the underdogs but still looking forward to it, and we hope that we can surprise.”
Denmark would all but qualify for the Round of 16 with a…
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