Australia have begun their World Cup campaign with a battling win over Ireland.
Match Report
The Matildas took to Stadium Australia without superstar player Sam Kerr, with the Chelsea star ruled out of the first two matches after picking up a calf injury on Wednesday.
After enduring a frustrating opening 45 minutes in which they struggled to break down Ireland’s resolute defence, the hosts got the breakthrough after Hayley Raso was brought down in the Irish penalty area.
Steph Catley stepped up and dispatched the spot kick to get her side’s campaign up and running.
Catley’s delivery from 12 yards was emphatic (52), finding the top right of Courtney Brosnan’s goal – the goalkeeper was otherwise unworked as Australia lacked a cutting edge and a clear focal point in the absence of Kerr.
Vera Pauw’s side performed with promise, tough and tenacious, led admirably by all-action Katie McCabe, but were unable to break Australia’s resolve in Sydney, with over 75,000 fans in attendance to roar the Matildas on to victory.
Line-ups
Australia XI: S. Catley, K. Gorry, C. Foord, A. Kennedy, H. Raso, M. Arnold, E. Carpenter, M. Fowler, K. Cooney-Cross, C. Vine, Clare Hunt
Subs: L. Williams, C. Polkinghorne, T. Yallop, E. van Egmond, S. Kerr, A. Luik, K. Simon, A. Chidiac, T. Micah, C. Wheeler, Charlotte Grant, Courtney Nevin
Republic of Ireland XI: L. Quinn, N. Fahey, K. McCabe, D. O’Sullivan, H. Payne, M. Connolly, R. Littlejohn, S. Farrelly, C. Brosnan, K. Carusa, Marissa Sheva
Subs: D. Caldwell, I. Atkinson, A. Barrett, A. O’Gorman, C. O’Riordan, G. Moloney, M. Walsh, L. Agg, L. Quinn, C. Mustaki, Ciara Grant, A. Larkin
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