Convincing win secures a spot in the cup final

It was today that the decisive battle would be played between Brøndby IF and HB Køge Women, who were competing for the final spot in the Danish Women’s Cup final. The first leg ended 1–1, meaning everything was still to play for.

The opening whistle had barely sounded before the ball was in the back of the net – and it was the Swans who took the lead. A ball was played back towards Brøndby’s defense, but a misplaced pass allowed Catherine Paulson to intercept it and go clean through on goal against the Brøndby goalkeeper. Paulson calmly placed the ball past the keeper to make it 1–0 to HB Køge Women after just two minutes.

After the goal, the Swans remained in control, and after 20 minutes it became 2–0. Catherine Paulson challenged down the right wing and beat her direct opponent. She played a low ball into the box, where Cassandra Korhonen was waiting at the far side. Korhonen set the ball up for Mille Gejl, who struck it powerfully from outside the box into the bottom left corner – a dream start for HB Køge Women.

Brøndby’s only real chance in the first half was a shot off the crossbar, but it was an effort that goalkeeper Alberte Vingum had under control. Nothing more happened before the break, and the teams went into halftime with HB Køge Women leading 2–0.

The second half began much like the first – with a quick goal for HB Køge Women. Cassandra Korhonen received the ball on the left and passed it to Mille Gejl, who made an aggressive run forward. Gejl delivered a first-time ball across goal, where Macy Schultz was ready to guide it into the net for 3–0.

From there, the game was more or less decided, and Brøndby struggled to create any significant chances. The match was effectively sealed when substitute Sarah Thygesen made it 4–0. She received the ball just inside the right side of the penalty area, cut inside, and with her left foot curled the ball beautifully into the far corner.

Brøndby did manage a consolation goal late in the game to make it 4–1. The match ended 4–1 to HB Køge Women, who, with an aggregate victory of 5–2, are through to the club’s first-ever cup final.

The final will be played at Køge Idrætspark on Saturday, May 16, against FC Nordsjælland. The exact kickoff time has yet to be confirmed.

Watch the highlights here.

Brøndby IF 1–4 HB Køge Women
0–1 Catherine Paulson (2’)
0–2 Mille Gejl (20’)
0–3 Macy Schultz (47’)
0–4 Sarah Thygesen (80’)
1–4 Cecilie Buchberg (84’)

HB Køge Women Starting Lineup
1. Alberte Vingum
3. Macy Schultz
11. Cassandra Korhonen
13. Catherine Paulson
14. Emilia Pelgander
15. Ida Marie Jørgensen
19. Signe Markvardsen
23. Mille Gejl
25. Augusta Callesen
28. Simone Boye
33. Jereko

HB Køge Women Substitutions
Rikke Marie Madsen for Catherine Paulson (57’)
Sarah Thygesen for Signe Markvardsen (57’)
Fleur Huisman for Macy Schultz (82’)
Mai Wendicke for Cassandra Korhonen (82’)
Maria Uhre for Simone Boye (82’)

Danish Women’s Cup, Second Semi-Final
Thursday, April 2, 15:00
1964 Park