Denmark not just Pernille Harder: Matildas

Pernille Harder
Denmark captain Pernille Harder (top) poses an obvious threat to the Matildas' quarter-final hopes. -AP

Stop Pernille Harder, stop Denmark?

The Matildas know their Women's World Cup round-of-16 clash won't be as simple as that.

But limiting Denmark's superstar captain Harder - Sam Kerr's former Chelsea teammate - at Stadium Australia on Monday will clearly be crucial to Australia's hopes of securing a quarter-final date with either France or Morocco.

"Sammy said she's someone who can change the game for their team," Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy said.

"It's just being alert at all times against her and just showing up in the same way that we did, against Canada as a team.

"Pernille's someone who we have to make sure that we limit her chances and her time on the ball.

"I've played against her a few times. I know what she's like as a player. So that's always good. Sam obviously knows a lot about her and has shared that with the team as well.

"If we have that same mentality that we had in the Canada game, it doesn't matter whether you're coming up against Pernille or a Sam Kerr on another team."

Stand-in captain Steph Catley stressed Harder's compatriot Kathrine Moller Kuhl - her teammate at Arsenal - could also pose a threat with how she linked the midfield and attack.

"She's very confident, she wants the ball, she's good getting out of tight spaces, very, very creative, and doesn't stop running," Catley told Optus Sport.

"She always wants the ball, she's never hiding. So she'll be one to watch."

Teammate Hayley Raso knows there's more to a "tidy" Denmark than Harder.

The winger is friends with Rikke Sevecke and Nicoline Sorensen from their time as Everton teammates.

"I have been speaking to them throughout the World Cup, wishing them good luck and they've been wishing me good luck for my games," Raso said.

"When we got obviously through to this round and we're versing each other I texted one of them and said 'oh, I probably can't talk to you anymore.' 

"So we've been friendly, but I don't think we'll be friendly for the next week."