FIFA Women’s World Cup: Australia 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland

Australia continued with the good start for co-hosts as they overcame the Republic of Ireland in a tightly fought encounter in Sydney.

A second-half penalty by captain Steph Catley proved to be the difference between the sides. 

It was disappointing for the Irish women on their first game at a major tournament. They had held firm for most of the first half, only to concede a penalty after the break. Late pressure failed to provide a breakthrough but will give them hope for the remaining games.   

The game build-up was dominated by the fitness of key players on both sides. Sam Kerr picked up a calf injury in training and was ruled out of the game and possibly the other group games. Mary Fowler started with Caitlin Foord in her absence. It was a side packed with experience and talent regardless.

Denise O’ Sullivan overcame her shin injury against Columbia to start in a side again captained by Katie McCabe. It seemed to be a line-up mainly set on containment.

The game got underway amid a minute’s silence due to a horrific shooting in Auckland early this morning. It was a tentative start by both sides as they felt each other out. Ellie Carpenter twice got decent crosses into the box that were cleared away. Katie McCabe aimed to do the same from her wing-back position. She almost set Kyra Carusa away, but the ball was overhit.

Both sides were giving no inch in the middle of the park and the referee had to speak to a few players as some tackles were slightly over-eager. Denise O’Sullivan showing no signs of her injury as she buzzed around the pitch and into challenges. Megan Connolly misjudged a bouncing ball which led to a chance for Hayley Raso that went just wide.

McCabe went down to cause concern for the Irish, but she managed to shake it off. A brief concern for them also when there was a VAR check for potential hand-ball that was adjudged accidental.

Australia came out with increased vigour in the second-half. Cortnee Vine threatened when she came in from the flank to burst into the box. Niamh Fahey did excellently to get back to shield her out before winning a free kick.

Ireland were not so fortunate moments later though. A ball was clipped into the area as the Aussies recycled possession. Being aggressive in defending positions had been emphasised during the week but Marissa Sheva allowed Vine a run on her before coming together with the attacker. VAR was again consulted, and the penalty was awarded. Steph Catley stepped up to put it to opposite side of Courtney Brosnan for the lead.

Moments later Ruesha Littlejohn coughed up possession to allow Mary Fowler a run on goal. She was only able to sky it over the bar.

Changes were needed and the introduction of Abbie Larkin and Louise Quinn allowed them greater energy and thrust up front. Heather Payne collected the ball after O’Sullivan won the ball in her own half, but she lacked support before the move broke down. In swinging corners from Megan Connolly and McCabe kept up the pressure that Mackenzie Arnold just about dealt with.

It was the final ball that seemed to be letting Ireland down as they got into decent positions on a number of occasions only for the movements to break down. They were giving as good as they were getting but the Aussie backline was holding firm.

They were presented with an excellent chance for an equaliser in the final moment. Quinn was pushed in the back just outside the area. Connolly got the free that clipped the wall and ended on the roof of the net.

A last gasp opportunity presented itself to McCabe after Larkin did well out on the right. She was unable to make proper contact with the cutback and Arnold dropped on the ball.

Relief for the home side upon the final whistle as one of the favourites got off the mark. For Ireland, it was a sense of frustration at letting an excellent chance for a result get away from them.

They must put their frustration aside when they face up against Olympic champions Canada on Wednesday at 13.00 GMT. Australia will hope to build on this win as they face Nigeria on Thursday at 11.00 GMT.

Australia Women: Mackenzie Arnold; Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy; Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine (Emily Van Egmond 74); Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler (Clare Polkinghorne 84).
Subs not used: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Charlotte Grant, Tameka Yallop, Aivi Luik, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Kyah Simon, Samantha Kerr.
Booked: None.
Sent off: None.

Republic of Ireland Women: Courtney Brosnan; Megan Connolly, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn; Sinead Farrelly (Abbie Larkin 63), Ruesha Littlejohn, Katie McCabe, Denise O'Sullivan, Heather Payne, Marissa Sheva (Lucy Quinn 63); Kyra Carusa (Izzy Atkinson 86).
Subs not used: Megan Walsh, Grace Moloney, Diane Caldwell, Chloe Mustaki, Claire O'Riordan, Lily Agg, Ciara Grant, Aine O'Gorman, Amber Barrett.
Booked: Denise O'Sullivan (42).
Sent off: None.

Referee: Edina Alves Batista.
Attendance: 75,784
extratime.com Player of the Match: Katrina Gorry