Sam Kerr came off the substitute as Australia defeated Denmark in front of roughly 76 000 spectators on Monday, advancing Australia into the Women's World Cup quarterfinals.
After defeating a lackluster Denmark with relative ease on Saturday in Brisbane, the co-hosts will play either France or Morocco.
To top off a successful evening for the Matildas, legendary scorer and captain Kerr entered with 10 minutes left to roaring applause for her first action of the competition following a calf injury.
After being set up on minute 29 by the outstanding Mary Fowler, the dangerous Caitlin Foord ran Denmark ragged for the duration of the game and scored a magnificent opening goal.
A second was taken by Hayley Raso with 20 minutes remaining to secure the victory. The Chelsea predator Kerr, who was supposed to have been the face of the World Cup before injury struck on the eve of the tournament, said it was "a big relief to be back". "I feel good. I think I was a bit rusty but, no, I feel great. "I'll sleep better tonight than I have for the last three weeks."
The host team is prospering off of rising anticipation for what they can accomplish at this World Cup, where the defending champion United States is out, making way for a new champion.
"I think we're embracing it, I think the girls are loving it," Kerr said of the expectation.
"The Australian public has been amazing. We've felt the love, just walking down the street it's been a real buzz."
Rikke Madsen got the first chance to score as Denmark played in their first World Cup knockout game since 1995, but he was unable to connect with the ball while sliding in at goal.
