Super-sub Harder puts Denmark on the verge of World Cup thanks to vital win over Sweden

Striker Cecilie Floe was instrumental, scoring her first international goal and providing a superb assist, as Denmark secured a 2-1 win against Sweden in Odense, boosting their hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup.

A crowd of 5,902 at Odense Stadium witnessed a hard-earned victory for Denmark, taking all three points. This result means that a draw against Serbia on Tuesday will be enough to secure their spot at the World Cup.

Denmark could even afford to lose to Serbia and still advance, provided that Italy do not win against Sweden at the same time.

Denmark began the match with high energy in the opening five minutes, but the quick and technically gifted Swedes slowly took control of the game.

Jakob Michelsen's side were pushed deep into their own half, finding it hard to escape the mounting Swedish pressure. However, against the run of play, Denmark took the lead after 25 minutes.

Amalie Vangsgaard drove into the Swedish area, raced towards the byline, and as she pulled the ball back across the box, the advancing Floe got to the ball ahead of the Swedish defenders and slotted it into the roof of the net from close range.

Sweden's dominance persisted after the interval, and seven minutes into the second half they were rewarded when a header from Felicia Schröder hit the crossbar, but Johanna Kaneryd was quick to react and tapped the rebound over the line.

That goal roused the Danes, and their spirits were lifted further when Pernille Harder came on for the weary Vangsgaard with half an hour left. The Bayern Munich striker needed only four minutes to make an impact: Floe held the ball up brilliantly in the Swedish area before flicking it on for the surging Harder, who restored the hosts' lead with an excellent finish past Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk.

In the final 25 minutes, the Swedish favourites exerted heavy pressure on the Danish defence, but the Danes held firm to secure all three points.