Super-sub Harder puts Denmark on the brink of World Cup with crucial win against Sweden

Perniller Harder celebrates after scoring Denmarks second goal
Perniller Harder celebrates after scoring Denmarks second goalCredit: Ludvig Thunman / Bildbyran Photo Agency / Profimedia

Pernille Harder who had struggled with a muscle injury leading up to the crucial World Cup qualifier against Sweden, scored four minutes after replacing Amailie Vangsgaard with 30 minutes to go when Denmark took a vital step towards qualifying for the prestigious tournament with a 2-1 win against their Scandinavian rivals on Friday night.

Forward Cecilie Floe played a leading role with her first international goal and a great assist, as Denmark recorded another 2-1 victory over Sweden in Odense to improve their chances of booking a ticket to next year's World Cup.

In front of 5,902 spectators at Odense Stadium, Denmark recorded a hard-fought win to claim the three points, which means that Denmark can settle for a draw against Serbia on Tuesday to secure a place at the World Cup.

Denmark can even lose the game against Serbia and still proceed, provided that Italy doesn't win over Sweden at the same time.

After a very energetic Danish start to the match in the first five minutes, the fast and technically skilled Swedes gradually gained control of the match. 

Jakob Michelsen's team was pushed far back, making it difficult to get out of their own half under the intensifying Swedish pressure. But against the run of play, Denmark still managed to edge ahead after 25 minutes. 

Amalie Vangsgaard searched into the Swedish box, rushed towards the goalline, and as she squared the ball across the box, the on-rushing Floe beat the Swedish defenders to the ball and directed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. 

The visitors' dominance continued after the break, and seven minutes after the break, the Swedes got their reward when a header from Felicia Schröder bounced off the crossbar, but Johanna Kaneryd reacted quickly to push the rebound over the line. 

The goal woke up the Danes, and they were further boosted when Pernille Harder replaced the tiring Vangsgaard with 30 minutes to go. It took the Bayern Munich striker four minutes to prove her worth as Floe held up the ball terrifically in the Swedish box before she flicked the ball on for the on-rushing Harder, who restored the lead for the hosts with a superb finish past Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. 

During the last 25 minutes, the Swedish favorites put a lot of pressure on the Danish rearguard, but the Danes stood firm to claim the three points. 

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