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 and Sam Kerr’s former Chelsea teammate on Monday night will clearly be crucial to Australia’s hopes of securing a quarter-final date with either France or Morocco.

Just like Kerr’s influence on the Matildas when fit, attacking midfielder/forward Harder is very much the star Denmark’s attack orbits around.

“Where you can say they are quite alike is that they are both players that out of nothing can decide games. They can score goals, they can prepare for others to score goals,” Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard said.

“So you always have to keep an eye on those kinds of players individually.

“So in a way, we are happy to see two of the world’s best players, especially offensive players, in one game – that’s all what the World Cup is all about.”

Harder has moved to Bayern Munich over the off-season but ex-teammate Kerr is still giving insights into the difference she can make.

“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.”

Teammate Caitlin Foord was similarly wary of the star Dane and her teammates.

“We all know Harder and along with other players in the Denmark team as well that they are quality,” Foord said. 

“And if we let them be able to play their best game, they’re obviously players that can change the game and take a moment to obviously do what’s needed.

“Her (Harder), we need to keep an eye on but there’s plenty of other players as well that can do just what she can. 

“We’ve always said from the start if we’re together as a team and we work well as a team and shut down the players like that, it’s in our hands and I think we have what it takes to control that.”

By Anna Harrington in Sydney