World Cup Group Stage Preview: Australia -v- Republic of Ireland

Australia

The host nation arrive into this tournament as one of the favourites to claim the World Cup trophy as the Matilda’s will be aiming to start the tournament with a win against the Republic of Ireland.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media pre match stated his belief that the Irish team have shown a weakness in recent games that his charges will be looking to expose.

Ireland, have conceded late in the first half’s in recent international games against the United States and France.

“We’ve had time to think about what this game will look like” said the Australian head coach. 

“If you look at Ireland’s games lately against top teams, there’s no coincidence they have been really, really strong at the beginning of both the first and second halves.

“But also, it is no coincidence that they’ve conceded goals late in each half. Especially when it comes to tactics and behaviours of one or two players that we’ve identified.

“We hope to strike against those tomorrow. I’m not going to say what but there’s a clear trend there we’ll target”.

One of the stars of the Australian side is Sam Kerr who’ll be looking to get off the mark against the Irish on Thursday.

On the pressure the team is under going into the tournament, Kerr stated “Of course everyone in Australia has a lot of expectations. But it's something I take in my stride, I try and just enjoy.”

On the idea of winning the tournament on home turf, Kerr is confident.

"Everyone's here to win," she said. "I'll keep my cards close to my chest, but we're really confident”.

Republic of Ireland 

Vera Pauw’s Irish team will be looking forward to making history on Thursday.

The Girls in Green will be making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, and it’s the first time any Irish national team as played at the World Cup since 2002 in Japan and South Korea.

Ahead of Thursday big kick off, Pauw spoke of how her side will look to make the impossible, possible in Stadium Australia.

"As a team, we have always held the belief that something only appears to be impossible the moment it proves to be impossible.

"What that means is that you must believe in yourself, embrace tougher challenges and step forward to trust that you are ready to fulfil your dreams. We did just that to qualify for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023; now we must be brave once again to make the most of this fantastic opportunity of competing in the world's best competition

"We might be on the other side of the world, but we feel the support of everyone in Ireland. We stand on the shoulders of the players, coaches, staff members and officials who drove women and girls' football forward over the last 50 years.

We carry the hopes of girls and boys wanting their heroes to perform well. We get to show that the endless hours of coaching and encouragement from Grassroots volunteers that helped to shape our players was worth it. And we are able to give back to those in Irish football who have helped shape this incredible journey."

On the game itself, Pauw revealed, "Our preparation is complete. Our motivation is intact. And our game-plan is set. We are ready. We just hope that we can do the people of Ireland proud."

“This is our time” voiced the Dutch coach. 

Referee: Edina Alves (Brazil)

PREDICTION: 

Australia 2-1 Republic of Ireland

Australia

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Republic of Ireland

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.