Denmark Claim Late Winner Against A Strong China Side

Vansgaard breaks the deadlock in the ninetieth minute to give Denmark a crucial three points against China's solid side at Perth's Rectangular Stadium.

With most of the game being even between the two sides, Denmark claimed their victory in the closing stages of the game to level with England at the top of Group D.

After England's game ended with a 1-0 victory, both sides were looking for a two-goal win to see them top Group D.

The two teams have faced each other many times before at the Women's World Cup, with China having won two of the three meetings, and the other ending with a draw.

Denmark were hoping to making a strong return to the World Cup, after failing to qualify for the last three tournaments. China were the runners-up in the 1999 Women's World Cup and have only failed to make the knockout stage once. Both sides had something to fight for.

With Denmark ranked 13th in FIFA's women's world rankings, and China right behind them in 14th, it made for a interesting match, as both teams were of similar strength.

Before kick-off, during the national anthems, it would seem as though China were the home side, with their fans singing their hearts out around the Australian stadium.

The first half was quite even between the sides, with them sharing a similar number of shots as well as a similar amount of possession, but China were fast-paced, causing problems for Denmark's defence.

Denmark slowly found their rhythm half way through the first half, with a few attempts at goal. Kuhl's effort after twenty minutes went wide, then Sevecke's long range shot a few minutes later was easily dealt with by China's goalkeeper Xu.

Zhang Linyan was China's stand-out player in the first fourty-five minutes, having the only shot on target in the first half from either team. She was then substituted off at half time, being replaced by former PSG forward Wang Shuang, who made an immediate impact.

The second half was more energetic, with constant strong attempts from both sides. The ball never stayed in one particular half for too long.

Danish Captain Pernille Harder made a few mistakes that she would be expected not to have made, but overall played well, ensuring her team kept their confidence against China's strong side.

It was a ninetieth-minute header from Denmark's Amalie Vansgaard that secured them the win after a tough game.

With it being sixteen years since Denmark were last at a World Cup, the stadium erupted, and the scenes were incredible.

There was a last-minute scramble in Denmark's box after a China free kick, with the ball having to be cleared off of the line. But two Chinese players were offside, meaning it wouldn't have counted had it reached the net.

After six minutes of added time, the game concluded, with Danish substitute Amalie Vansgaard being praised as their hero, having came on in the eighty-fifth minute and scoring in the ninetieth.

A deserved win for Denmark, but a big loss for China, as the side provided a strong opposition.

Denmark will next face England, who also gained three points, making it a crucial game to progress from the group stage.