Matildas player ratings: See who starred and who struggled as Aussies excelled in World Cup knockout victory over Denmark

After a nervous start in which Denmark had the best opening substitution, the Matildas turned the game upside down with Caitlin Foord’s goal in the first half – and never looked back.

While Foord was a standout, along with Mary Fowler – who was instrumental in both of the side’s goals – there were great performances across the park, with the added bonus of seeing Sam Kerr finally on the pitch for the first time in the tournament.

This is how Daily Mail Australia rated the home team…

Mackenzie Arnold 6

Solid but unchallenged in goal, apart from a handful of tame long range attempts from the Danes. Will face tougher tests as the tournament progresses.

Steve Catley 7

Was a major threat on the left side for the Matildas, working beautifully with Caitlin Foord as an attack route throughout the game. If she gets that last ball right, it will be hard to stop the wily fullback.

Alan Kennedy7

Gave her a teammate a missile at 20 minutes amid their slow start to the match and it worked, and the Matildas found their groove after that. Handled the threat of Pernille Harder well.

Clara Hunt 7

Like Kennedy, he struggled to contain Harder in the opening exchanges, but grew in the game. A guaranteed performance.

Foord was dominant for Australia on the left and will play a decisive role in this tournament

Ellie Carpenter 6

Went for glory with a wild try late, but little to fault the full-back. A reliable presence in the back four.

Caitlin Ford 9

After that performance, many defenders will have sleepless nights wondering how to deal with Caitlin Foord. She was absolutely sensational on Monday night and Tony Gustavsson’s decision to put her on the left wing is a masterstroke.

Whether she goes left or right doesn’t matter, she’ll find a way around you and deal significant damage. Brilliant finish to score first and was always an option on the left for her teammates.

Katrina Gorry was quieter than usual in what was a relatively understated performance

Kate Cooney Cross 7

Was a livewire in midfield and outscored the relatively subdued Gorry. Helped set a pace for her side after Kennedy’s dashing.

Katrin Gorry6

Got stuck but was unable to stamp her authority on the game, in a somewhat worrying sign for Gustavsson.

Hayley Raso 7

She didn’t reach the same level as against Canada, but showed her prowess in front of goal with a well-taken shot to put the match beyond doubt.

Mary Fowler is enjoying a new life in the false 9 role for Australia

Mary Fowler 8

It seems to have found new life in the false nine roll, dropping deep to spread delicious passes to the flank or down the middle. Was instrumental in both goals and will be crucial to the Australian season.

Emily van Egmond 6

Showed her intelligence with agility for Raso’s attack, but was unable to make the same impact as Fowler. Will be sacrificed for Kerr when the captain is fully fit.