The Netherlands women’s team are one step away from qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals after seeing off Denmark in their play-off semi-final.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, the European champions suffered an early setback in Viborg when Nadia Nadim converted a penalty after just five minutes. It followed a foul by Arsenal defender Dominique Bloodworth on Pernille Harder.

But two minutes later Oranje hit back with an equaliser by Bayern Munich’s Lineth Beerensteyn, heading in a cross from Desiree van Lunteren.

The away goal meant the Danes had to score three goals without further reply, but the Netherlands had the best chances in the first half, with Sherida Spitse hitting the bar with a long-range shot.

Denmark improved in the second half but were unable to find a way through, and two minutes into injury time Beerensteyn struck again from close range to snatch the win.

The Lionesses will play Switzerland on November 5 and 13, with the winners qualifying for next year’s finals tournament in France. The Swiss edged past Belgium on away goals in their semi-final, having drawn 2-2 away and 1-1 at home.