An astonishing 75,784 spectators, packed into an electric Sydney stadium, have witnessed a spectacular opening day fixture between Ireland and Australia at the Fifa Women's World Cup.
In an edge-of-your-seat encounter, Vera Pauw's Ireland fell to a one-nil defeat following a penalty from Arsenal's Steph Catley.
There was more than enough battle in this Irish side to suggest that points can be collected elsewhere, as the girls in green switch their focus to Wednesday's tie with Canada.
Gutted 🙁
An incredible effort from the girls in green who deserved at least a point in their opening match 💪
The country is proud of you 💚#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vJ1Ivw4c2H
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 20, 2023
Australia started the brighter of the two, cheered on by rapturous home support. But the Irish stood firm in their defensive structure and offered ample threat on the counterattack.
The travelling support made their voices heard throughout. Their unconditional belief in the side fed onto the field - as Pauw's side grew comfortable in the tie.
Sam Kerr was a notable omission from the Matildas, and her absence was felt in the hosts attacking phases.
It wasn't to be but a performance which shows we're right in this @FIFAWWC and plenty for us to build on for the next group game against Canada 💚
Great support in Australia, Ireland and all over the world 🇮🇪#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/lZuOQQI4Jr
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 20, 2023
The second half saw Australia burst out of the blocks with an injection of pace and direction in their attack.
The game's turning point came in the 51st minute when Marissa Sheva was penalised for putting her hands on Hayley Raso's back as a ball from deep found its way into the box.
The Real Madrid forward went down, and under the harsh eyes of a partisan home crowd, the referee pointed to the spot.
Arsenal's Steph Catley converted the game's only goal from the spot with a sublime finish befitting of the occasion.
WE TAKE THE LEAD AT STADIUM AUSTRALIA 🔥@stephcatley cool as you like from the penalty spot 🥶#AUS 1 – 0 #IRL | #FIFAWWC #Matildas pic.twitter.com/j4TXPiQSg8
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 20, 2023
Ireland turned it up a gear on the hour mark and pegged their opponents back into their half.
A sustained assault of attacking phases resulted in a compilation of set pieces that put the hosts under continuous pressure.
Katie McCabe's delivery from the corner spot was precise, and it added to the intense atmosphere inside the ground.
As the game entered injury time, it was the visitors applying all of the pressure as the home side were left reliant on a counterattack of their own.
Megan Connolly came within inches of an equaliser as the tie entered the second minute of injury time.
An expertly taken free kick sailed agonizingly over the bar, leaving many in the ground thinking it had hit the back of the net.
The Watch Parties around the country have been incredible 💚
Tullamore, Longford, Raheny and Templeogue all held fantastic occasions for the opening match, the country fully behind the girls in green 🇮🇪#COYGIG | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vlYSAL8lYE
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 20, 2023
Despite their best efforts, the home side held on for their one-nil victory amidst jubilant scenes in the ground.
The girls in green have done more than enough to make the rest of the competition take note and can hold their heads high in defeat.
Focus will now turn to Wednesday’s meeting with Canada and ample opportunity to atone for today’s loss down under.
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